Factors influencing survival and morbidity with very low birth weight delivery

Factors influencing survival and morbidity in a group of 214 consecutively delivered very low birth weight infants (500 to 1500 g) are examined. The perinatal mortality was 313 per 1000 births. Of 185 live-born, congenially normal infants, 133 (72%) were discharged alive. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common form of significant morbidity, occurring in 114 infants (62%). Intraventricular hemorrhage was diagnosed in 38 (21%) of the infants. Neither survival nor morbidity was influenced by the mode of delivery. The current trend of a liberalized policy of cesarean section for the very low birth weight delivery is questioned.