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Changing Survival Rate of Infants Born Before 26 Gestational Weeks: Single-centre study
Asad Rahman1, Mohamed Abdellatif1, Sharef W Sharef1
1Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Insights
Survival rates for extremely premature infants born before 26 weeks gestational age have significantly improved. This study highlights better outcomes for these vulnerable newborns at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Perinatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Extremely preterm infants (born before 26 weeks gestational age) face high mortality and morbidity risks.
- Evaluating survival trends and associated morbidities is crucial for improving neonatal care.
- Previous data from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) indicated lower survival rates for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the contemporary survival rates of infants born between 23-26 gestational weeks at SQUH.
- To identify and quantify major morbidities in this cohort.
- To compare current outcomes with historical data from the same institution.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 81 infants born between 23-26 gestational weeks at SQUH (June 2006 - May 2013).
- Inclusion of infants referred within 72 hours of birth.
- Review of electronic records for demographics, clinical data, morbidities, and outcomes; comparison with 1991-1998 data.
Main Results:
- Overall survival rate was 60.5% (49 out of 81 infants), a significant increase from 41% in the previous study.
- Common morbidities included respiratory distress syndrome (100%), retinopathy of prematurity (51.9%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (34.6%), intraventricular hemorrhage (30.9%), and patent ductus arteriosus (28.4%).
- Male infants constituted 58.0% of the cohort, with a median gestational age of 25 weeks and mean birth weight of 770g.
Conclusions:
- Survival rates for extremely preterm infants (23-26 weeks gestational age) have significantly improved at SQUH.
- Despite improved survival, common morbidities persist, necessitating continued vigilance and care.
- Long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up for these infants is recommended to fully assess outcomes.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the changing survival rate and morbidities among infants born before 26 gestational weeks at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) in Muscat, Oman.
Methods:
This retrospective study assessed the mortality and morbidities of all premature infants born alive at 23-26 gestational weeks at SQUH between June 2006 and May 2013. Infants referred to SQUH within 72 hours of birth during this period were also included. Electronic records were reviewed for gestational age, gender, birth weight, maternal age, mode and place of delivery, antenatal steroid administration, morbidity and outcome. The survival rate was calculated and findings were then compared with those of a previous study conducted in the same hospital from 1991 to 1998. Rates of major morbidities were also calculated.
Results:
A total of 81 infants between 23-26 gestational weeks were admitted to the neonatal unit during the study period. Of these, 58.0% were male and 42.0% were female. Median gestational age was 25 weeks and mean birth weight was 770 ± 150 g. Of the 81 infants, 49 survived. The overall survival rate was 60.5% compared to 41% reported in the previous study. Respiratory distress syndrome (100.0%), retinopathy of prematurity (51.9%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (34.6%), intraventricular haemorrhage (30.9%) and patent ductus arteriosus (28.4%) were the most common morbidities.
Conclusion:
The overall survival rate of infants between 23-26 gestational weeks during the study period had significantly improved in comparison to that found at the same hospital from 1991 to 1998. There is a need for the long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up of premature infants.
