SURVIVAL AND NEONATAL AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME OF 24-29-WEEK GESTATION INFANTS ACCORDING TO PRIMARY CAUSE OF PRETERM DELIVERY

A total of 189 infants of 24-29 weeks' gestation were born in a region al perinatal centre during a 2-year period. They were divided into gro ups according to the primary cause of preterm delivery: antepartum hae morrhage (n=37, 20%), preeclampsia (n=27, 14%), preterm premature rupt ure of membranes (n=64, 34%), preterm labour (n=27, 14%), chorioamnion itis (n=16, 8%), other complications (n=18, 10%). The perinatal mortal ity rate (PMR) was 286/1,000 of whom 44% were stillbirths. The 'other complication' group had the highest PMR due to a large number of intra uterine deaths, with no differences in neonatal mortality between the groups. Preeclampsia was associated with an increased risk of necrotiz ing enterocolitis and chorioamnionitis was associated with an increase d risk of periventricular haemorrhage. Follow-up to at least 2 years w as performed in 122 (97%) of survivors. Cerebral palsy occurred in 7%, while 18% had neurodevelopmental disability. No relationship was foun d between primary cause of preterm delivery and outcome. This informat ion should be of value in counselling parents when preterm delivery is imminent.