Trends in prevalence and survival of very low birthweight infants, England and Wales: 1983-7

Article Abstract:

Very low birth weight infants require neonatal intensive care and have a greater risk of morbidity and mortality. The relationship between low birth weight and mortality was recognized many years ago. This article reports on trends in infant birth weight and mortality in England and Wales between 1983 and 1987. In 1983, the overall incidence of very low birth weight (less than 3.3 pounds) was 0.84 percent, and by 1987 it had increased to 0.95 percent. In 1983, infants with birth weights between 1.5 and 1.8 pounds had a 32 percent chance of surviving to their first birthday, and those with birth weights between 1.8 and 2.0 pounds had a 46 percent chance of surviving for one year. By 1987, the chance of survival of low-birth-weight infants improved. In 1987, the chance of survival to one year was 43 percent for infants weighing between 1.5 and 1.8 pounds, and 55 percent for those weighing between 1.8 and 2.0 pounds. Between 1983 and 1987, the number of surviving infants with birth weights between 1.1 and 2.2 pounds increased by 46 percent of singleton births and by 58 percent for multiple births. Also during this period there was a 30 percent increase in the overall number of surviving infants who weighed less than 3.3 pounds. The results of this study show that between 1983 and 1987 the number of very-low-birth-weight infants increased, while infant mortality decreased. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight, England

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Mortality from congenital malformations in England and Wales: variations by mother's country of birth

Article Abstract:

Congenital malformations resulting in the death of infants have been attributed to many factors, such as genetic predisposition or the mother's age and nutritional state, social class, alcohol consumption, and smoking. From 1981 to 1985, information was collected on 10,647 stillbirths (0.33 percent of the total number of births) due to congenital deformities, according to the mother's country of birth or ethnic heritage with respect to maternal age and social class. The greatest infant mortality was among children born to mothers from Pakistan, followed in turn by those from India, East Africa, and Bangladesh. The lowest infant mortality was observed among children of mothers born in the Caribbean and West Africa. The standardized mortality ratio for Pakistanis was 2 to 3 times greater than the UK ratio and considerably higher than ratios from other Asian groups. The infant death rate tended to decrease as social class increased except in the Afro-Caribbean group. The Pakistani mortality was the highest in every social class except the professional class, and the standardized mortality ratio was particularly high in regard to deaths due to anomalies of limb, muscle, urogenital and central nervous systems. The authors recommend additional research to understand why these ethnic differences exist. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United Kingdom, Patient outcomes, Mortality, Birth defects, Childbirth, Delivery (Childbirth), Great Britain

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Imaging in congenital deafness

Article Abstract:

It is estimated that 1 out of every 1,000 children has severe hearing loss that can be detected during the first year after birth. The hearing loss is congenital in 90 percent of the cases. An additional 1 out of every 1,000 children has hearing loss that is not identified until the third year of life. Early recognition and diagnosis of the cause and severity of the hearing loss is essential. There are many different causes of deafness, and any part of the ear may be affected. Abnormalities of the cochlea (a snail-shaped structure in the inner ear) are the most common form of malformation in inherited disorders that involve abnormal bone development in the face and head. Congenital hearing loss can occur in conjunction with chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome and Tuner's syndrome. Inner ear and middle ear abnormalities can be associated head and neck syndromes. Computed tomography imaging should be performed on any infant or child with ear, head, neck, or spinal abnormalities. In some cases, corrective surgery may be an option. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abnormalities, Infants, Deafness

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