Outcome of extremely-low-birth-weight infants at highest risk: gestational age < or =24 weeks, birth weight < or =750 g, and 1-minute Apgar < or =3.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcome in extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, all of whom had 3 characteristics: gestational age (GA) < or =24 weeks, birth weight < or =750 g, and 1-minute Apgar score < or =3.

Study Design: Surviving infants were evaluated at 18 to 22 months' corrected age with a neurologic examination and the Bayley II Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Index (MDI and PDI).

Results: Between 1993 and 1999, 1016 infants had GA < or =24 weeks, birth weight < or =750 g, and 1-minute Apgar score < or =3. Of 246 survivors, 30% had cerebral palsy (CP), 5% had hearing impairment, and 2% were blind. MDI was > or =85 in 33% and < 70 in 46% of infants, while PDI was > or =85 in 41% and < 70 in 36% infants. Predictors of MDI < 70 were grade III-IV ICH, cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), male gender, black race, and Medicaid insurance. Two-parent household was associated with an MDI >70. Predictors of PDI < 70 were grade III-IV ICH, PVL, steroids for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and Medicaid insurance. CP was associated with grade III-IV ICH and PVL.

Conclusion: Perinatologists and neonatologists should be aware of the risk of morbidity and mortality in this high-risk ELBW group.