Changes in Patterns of Mortality for Extreme Prematurity

The mortality rate declined among extremely premature babies born at NICHD Neonatal Research Network centers between 2000 and 2011.

Prematurity is a major contributor to neonatal mortality in the U.S. To determine whether improvements in neonatal care have produced a meaningful reduction in mortality of extremely premature infants (gestational age, 22–28 weeks), investigators examined rates and causes of death among 22,248 infants born in a Neonatal Research Center of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) between 2000 and 2011. Data were analyzed for three birth-year periods (2000–2003, 2004–2007, and 2008–2011).

During the 12-year study period, increases were noted in the rates of prenatal care, cesarean section delivery, and receipt of prenatal glucocorticoids among mothers. In-hospital mortality was similar from 2000–2003 to 2004–2007 bu…

Reviewing Author

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Changes in Patterns of Mortality for Extreme Prematurity

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Reviewing Author