Twenty-five-year trends in mortality and major morbidity among very low birth weight infants at a Saudi tertiary centre: improving morbidity despite expanding resuscitation at the limits of viability - Report - MDSpire
Advertisement
Twenty-five-year trends in mortality and major morbidity among very low birth weight infants at a Saudi tertiary centre: improving morbidity despite expanding resuscitation at the limits of viability
Clinical Report: Longitudinal Analysis of Mortality and Major Morbidity Trends in VLBW Infants
Overview
This study analyzes 25-year trends in survival and morbidity among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at a Saudi tertiary center. Significant improvements in morbidity outcomes were observed.
Background
Very low birth weight infants are at high risk for mortality and major morbidity, making their care a critical focus in neonatal medicine. This study provides valuable longitudinal data from Saudi Arabia, a region where such information has been historically limited.
Data Highlights
Period
Crude Survival Rate
Sepsis (Early)
Sepsis (Late)
Necrotising Enterocolitis
Severe Retinopathy
1999–2007
88.7%
11.0%
37.2%
15.6%
34.5%
2011–2018
84.0%
2.3%
17.2%
9.3%
6.3%
2019–2024
79.0%
-
-
-
-
Key Findings
Crude survival rates declined from 88.7% in 1999–2007 to 79.0% in 2019–2024 (p = 0.001).
Among infants ≥24 weeks, survival rates were 90.0%, 85.8%, and 83.6% across the three periods.
Survival at 23 weeks fell dramatically from 61.0% to 6.3%.
Early-onset sepsis decreased from 11.0% to 2.3%, and late-onset sepsis from 37.2% to 17.2% (both p < 0.001).
Necrotising enterocolitis rates fell from 15.6% to 9.3% (p < 0.001).
Severe retinopathy requiring treatment decreased from 34.5% to 6.3% (p < 0.001).
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that while crude survival rates have declined, significant improvements in morbidity outcomes were observed.
Conclusion
The study reveals a decline in crude survival rates alongside improvements in morbidity outcomes for VLBW infants.
