Role of sex in morbidity and mortality of very premature neonates

Background This study aimed to investigate the effect of sex on survival and short-term outcomes of very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) born in Japan. Methods This study included VLBWIs who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units between 2003 and 2012 participating in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan. 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 males. And males were more likely to develop BPD. This difference reached statistical significance in neonates born at ≥26 weeks of gestation. In contrast, significant differences in the incidence of NEC is more likely to be seen at 23–25 weeks of gestation. Conclusion This study indicates males are more likely to suffer from a major neonatal outcome and remain at a higher risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal complications than female. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.