Comparison of Survival of Very Preterm, Moderate Preterm, and Late Preterm Neonates

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth is one of the major contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality in the world, with the survival rates being dependent on the gestational age. Very preterm babies present the greatest risk, with moderate and late preterm babies having a better prognosis.

Objective: To determine the survival of very preterm, moderate preterm, and late preterm newborns and determine what factors affect the mortality of neonates.

Methods: The study was a prospective cohort study carried out by enrolling 358 preterm neonates with a gestation of 28 to 36 weeks. Gestational age was classified into very preterm, moderate preterm as well and late preterm. The following data were gathered: birth weight, sex, Apgar score, antenatal steroid use, and whether respiratory support was needed. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to carry out survival analysis. Mortality independent predictors were discovered using Cox proportional hazards regression, univariate, and multivariate.

Results: There was an increase in survival with gestational age: very preterm (65 %), moderate preterm (83.6 %), and late preterm (94 %). Reduced gestational age, reduced birth weight, Apgar score below 7 in 5 minutes, and need for respiratory care were found to be strongly correlated with increased mortality.

Conclusion: Apgar score, gestational age, birth weight, and need for respiratory support are the determinants of survival of preterm neonatal babies. The results indicate the significance of gestational-age-specific intervention and resource prioritization to enhance the outcomes of high-risk preterm infants.