Morbidity and mortality trends in very-very low birth weight premature infants in light of recent changes in obstetric care

Our findings suggest that among premature neonates with less than 500 mg birth weight preterm delivery due to premature rupture of membranes and intrauterine infections represents the worse mortality risk. Steroid prophylaxis and measures to prevent and treat intrauterine infections with appropriate use of antibiotics can markedly improve survival in these cases. In premature neonates with less than 500 mg birth weight survival is more favorable after cesarean section compared to vaginal delivery.