Role of sex in morbidity and mortality of very premature neonates

Pediatr Int. 2017 Aug;59(8):898-905. doi: 10.1111/ped.13320. Epub 2017 Jul 14.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sex on survival and short-term outcomes of very low-birthweight infants (VLBWI) born in Japan.

Methods: This study included VLBWI who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units participating in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan, between 2003 and 2012. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality or any major morbidity, including neurologic injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment.

Results: The composite primary outcome was worse in male infants. Male infants were also more likely to develop BPD. This difference reached statistical significance in neonates born at ≥26 weeks of gestation. In contrast, significant difference in the incidence of NEC was more likely to be seen at 23-25 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion: Male neonates are more likely to die and are at a higher risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal complications than female neonates.

Keywords: bronchopulmonary dysplasia; necrotizing enterocolitis; outcome; sex; very low-birthweight infant.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant Mortality*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / epidemiology
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / etiology*
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight*
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors