Improved SNAPPE-II and CRIB II scores over a 15-year period.

OBJECTIVE

During the last decades mortality and morbidity of preterm infants have declined in the Western world. We hypothesized that the decrease in mortality in preterm infants was associated with a decrease in illness severity scores (SNAPPE-II and CRIB II scores).

STUDY

DESIGN

Subjects were inborn infants born between January 1997 and December 1999 (period 1) and between January 2006 and December 2011 (period 2) with a gestational age of 26+0 through 28+6 weeks and without congenital malformations (n=394). SNAPPE-II, CRIB II scores, mortality, severe morbidity and survival without morbidity were recorded. Outcomes between the two periods were analyzed using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

SNAPPE-II, but not CRIB II, scores were significantly lower for all GAs in period 2 compared with period 1. The risk of mortality for identical SNAPPE-II scores and CRIB II scores did not differ between the two periods. The risk of morbidity for identical SNAPPE-II scores and CRIB II scores was significantly lower in period 2 versus period 1. Hence, the chance of survival without morbidity for identical SNAPPE-II scores and CRIB II scores increased significantly in period 2 versus period 1.

CONCLUSIONS

SNAPPE-II, but not CRIB II, scores decreased over 15 years. The risk of mortality for identical SNAPPE-II and CRIB II scores did not change, but the risk of morbidity decreased and the chance of survival without morbidity increased for identical SNAPPE-II and CRIB II scores. These findings suggest substantial improvements in both obstetrical and neonatal care.