Strategies aimed at prevention, such as limiting the excessive use of broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics and the periodic review and continuous reinforcement of infection control policies will help decrease the mortality and morbidity associated with nosocomial infection in the very low birthweight infants.

The establishment of a neonatal intensive care unit has resulted in improved survival of very low birthweight infants. Further improvement in survival of these infants will be dependent on increased accessibility to surfactant therapy, initiation of total parenteral nutrition and the availability of trained personnel.