Dr. Roberto J. Murgas Torrazza Pediatra - Neonatólogo

The survival of premature infants is determined by gestational age at delivery and birth weight. Infants born after 28 weeks gestation and 1,000 grams, have more than a 90% chance of survival. Certain factors such prenatal cortiosteroids to mature the lungs of the premature infant and female gender can positively influence the outcomes. Outcomes also vary quite a bit among different neonatal intensive care units. The goal is not only survival of the infant but also to minimize or prevent major complications and long-term sequelae such as profound neurologic impairment.  According to statistics from the Neonatal Research Network a 25 weeks gestation male premature infant has a 63% of survival with 74% chance of moderate to profound neurologic impairment (with no prenatal corticosteroids), with prenatal corticosteroids the percentages improve to 78% and 58%, respectively and if it were a girl with prenatal corticosteroids the chances improve even more to 85% of survival and 40% for moderate to profound neurologic impairment. It is important to note that outcomes change over time and  that they differ for a variety of reasons, including neonatal intensive care features, individual patient characteristics, obstetric complications and care, and care after discharge home.

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