AIM: To investigate the feasibility of developing an objective tool for predicting @entity204 and severe disability using routinely available data, including an objective measure of illness severity, in very low birthweight babies. METHOD: A cohort study of 297 premature babies surviving the first three days of life was made. Predictive variables considered included birthweight, gestation, 3 day cranial ultrasound appearances and 3 day CRIB (clinical risk index for babies) score. Models were developed using regression techniques and positive predictive values ( @entity2286 ) and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, birthweight, gestation, 3 day CRIB score and 3 day cranial ultrasound appearances were each associated with @entity204 . On multivariate analysis, 3 day CRIB score and 3 day cranial ultrasound appearances remained independently associated. A 3 day CRIB score > 4 along with @entity548 ( @entity548 ) grade 3 or 4 was associated with a @entity2286 of 64% and an LR of 9.8 (95% confidence limits 3.5, 27.9). Only 3 day CRIB score and 3 day cranial ultrasound appearances were associated with severe disability on univariate analysis. Both remained independently associated on multivariate analysis. A 3 day CRIB score > 4 along with an @entity548 grade of 3 or 4 was associated with a @entity2286 of 60% and an LR of 24.2 (95% CI 4.4, 133.3). CONCLUSION: Incorporating objective measures of illness severity may improve current prediction of @entity204 and disability in premature @entity1 .

Predicting outcome in very low birthweight XXXX using an objective measure of illness severity and cranial ultrasound scanning.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['infants'] @entity204 :: ('MESH:D003643', 'Disease') :: ['death'] @entity2286 :: ('12211', 'Species') :: ['PPV'] @entity548 :: ('MESH:D006470', 'Disease') :: ['IVH', 'intraventricular haemorrhage']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['infants']
