Trends in mortality and morbidity in very preterm infants in Switzerland based on the years 1996, 2000 and 2004

Objective: The purpose of this population-based study was to investigate the trends in hospitalisation duration, interventions and short-term outcome of very preterm infants from birth until discharge home. Methods: The Swiss Minimal Neonatal Dataset took account of all infants born alive before 32 completed gestational weeks in Switzerland in 1996 (n=606), 2000 (n=675) and 2004 (n=654). A poor outcome was defined as death or survival with intracranial haemorrhage grade 3 or 4, cystic periventricular leucomalacia, ROP stage 3 or 4 or BPD (requirement for supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks postmenstrual age). Result…