Outcome of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants from a birth cohort (2013–2018) in a tertiary care unit in North India

To evaluate mortality and short-term morbidities in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (<1000 g) in a birth cohort in North India. In-hospital data of 231 ELBW infants (Jan 2013 to Sept 2018) were collected from a prospectively maintained electronic database by using standard definitions. The mean (SD) gestation and birth weight were 27.9 (2.2) weeks and 783 (133) g, respectively. Major morbidities included respiratory distress syndrome (n = 132, 57%), moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n = 62, 26.8%), hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (n = 65, 28%), intracranial hemorrhage ≥ grade II (n = 38, 16%), and culture-positive sepsis (n = 44, 19%). Median (IQR) duration of hospital stay (survivors) was 50 (17–79) days. The overall survival was 62%. On logistic regression, severe birth asphyxia, gestation ≤26 weeks, and respiratory distress syndrome were major predictors of mortality. In the current ELBW cohort, nearly two-thirds survived until discharge, who had considerable morbidities needing prolonged hospital stay. This study can be utilized for counseling and planning of care of ELBW infants in similar settings.