An Update on the Benefits of Tertiary NICU Care

Extremely preterm babies born and cared for in tertiary NICUs have improved survival and reduced severe brain injury.

Regionalization of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is meant to align delivery of high-risk and extremely preterm pregnancies to hospitals with tertiary or higher level NICUs and has been shown to improve survival and reduce morbidity.

In this study, 17,577 extremely preterm infants (23–27 weeks' gestation) born in the U.K. from 2008 to 2015 were classified into four groups according to their hospital of birth and transfer status at 48 hours of life: 12% were born in a hospital with a local neonatal unit (cares for moderately preterm infants >28 weeks' gestation) and transferred to a tertiary NICU; 15% were born in a hospital with a local neonatal unit and remained in the unit; 2% were born at a hospital with a tertiary NICU and transfe…

Reviewing Author

Robin H. 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 H. 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)

An Update on the Benefits of Tertiary NICU Care

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Reviewing Author