To evaluate mortality and short-term outcomes in very low birth weight infants admitted to the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, Istanbul, Turkey. Study data were recorded prospectively from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010. The clinical findings in neonates with birth weights 0.05). The mean (±standard deviation) birth weight was 985.6±150.15 g and mean gestational age was 27.5±2.04 weeks. The antenatal steroid rate was 37.2%, and the Cesarean section rate was 73%. Respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed in 89% of the infants, with a 69% surfactant administration rate. Severe intracranial hemorrhage (IVH) (grade >II) was 14%. Grade 4 periventricular leukomalacia was 10%. Twelve (24%) infants had evidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Retinopathy of prematurity (stage >II) was 4%. The correlation between ROP rate and need for ventilation therapy was present (r=0.52). Proven necrotizing enterocolitis (stage >2) was not observed. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed in 67% of the neonates. BPD, IVH, and PDA were statistically higher in neonates with a birth weight <1000g. Survival rate of VLBW infants increased with increasing BW. Sex was not a risk factor for mortality. The need for ventilatory therapy may be an important risk factor for ROP in infants <1500g.