Neonatal outcome of extremely preterm Asian infants ⩽28 weeks over a decade in the new millennium

To evaluate predischarge neonatal mortality and morbidity and associated risk factors in extremely preterm Asian infants ⩽28 weeks, over a decade, so as to facilitate formulation of perinatal guidelines and counseling.

Cohort study of 887 liveborn extremely preterm neonates between 2000 and 2009 at KKH, the centralized perinatal center in Singapore. Outcome measures were predischarge mortality, presence of one or more major neonatal morbidities and the composite outcome of mortality or neonatal morbidity.

Overall survival to discharge was 709/887 (80%) and was significantly higher with increasing gestational age (GA) (19% at 23 weeks to 93% at 28 weeks, P<0.001). Survival remained unchanged between 78 and 86% during the decade with no significant secular trend. Overall incidence of major morbidities were bronchopulmonary dysplasia (29%), late onset sepsis (23%), severe retinopathy of prematurity (21%), Grade 3 to 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (12%) and necrotizing enterocolitis ⩾Bells' stage II/focal intestinal perforation (9%). Composite morbidity was seen in 465/835 (56%) neonatal intensive-care unit admissions, decreased with increasing GA (P<0.001; odds ratio 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.56 to 0.75) and was independently predicted by birth weight, Clinical Risk Index for Babies-revised version II score, male gender, presence of patent ductus arteriosus and airleaks.

Although there was no significant trend in neonatal survival or composite morbidity over the decade, improved survival and morbidity were seen with increasing GA.