Between-center variability in the outcome of VLBW infants is not affected by socioeconomic deprivation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have improved significantly in high-income countries over recent decades, data from Central-Eastern Europe are lacking. The study aimed to evaluate trends in VLBW infant outcomes and hypothesized that a variability exists in the performance of NICUs in Hungary.

Methods

This was a population-based cohort study of VLBW infants, conducted between 2014-2016 (Epoch 1); and between 2019-2021 (Epoch 2) involving all Level III NICUs in Hungary. The primary composite outcome was death or any of the five major morbidities. Adjustments were made for case-mix and hospital-level factors, and the impact of deprivation, a composite index of socioeconomic status, was assessed.

Results

The composite outcome decreased fr

SUBMITTER: Nador C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12549325 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature