An extensive study was undertaken in northern France from January 1st to May 31st 1978, concerning the transfer of neonates from maternity hospitals to specialized units. Analysis of 250 children whose birth weight was below 2,000 gm showed that several risk factors could be taken into account to reduce neonatal mortality in this area. Prematurity (22% children weighing less than 1,500 gm in those discharged alive, 54% in the dead), neonatal distress (36% versus 61% of resuscitation) hypothermia (7% versus 23% with temperature below 34 degrees 6 at the time of admission), the need for an other transfer (1% vs. 12%) seem to be features highly related with poor prognosis. This stresses the importance of the prevention of prematurity, of proper management of the babies in the maternity hospital, of the conditions of transport and of the choice of the neonatal unit.