Development of a neonatal case-mix classification

This article introduces a neonatal classification based on latent class analysis. The neonatal classification generates five distinct classes ranging from the normal-birth-weight, full-term, healthy baby to the low-birth-weight preterm infant with many life-threatening problems. Unlike several suggested neonatal classifications, latent class analysis accommodates the range and severity of illness typically encountered in neonatal populations. It also provides a classification based solely on the personal characteristics of the newborn that can be used to investigate variation in the use of neonatal services.