Clinical Report: Outcomes of Very Preterm Infants Surviving Without Major Morbidity

Overview

This study quantifies the survival without major morbidity (SWMM) among very preterm infants (VPIs) at a single center, revealing a SWMM rate of 59.9% from 2021 to 2025. It highlights trends in morbidity and factors influencing SWMM.

Background

Preterm birth is a significant contributor to neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, particularly in very preterm infants (VPIs). Understanding survival rates and associated morbidities is crucial for optimizing clinical care and improving outcomes for this vulnerable population. The study aims to systematically assess SWMM in a high-volume neonatal intensive care unit.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Among 1,172 VPIs, 95.5% survived with 59.9% achieving SWMM.
• SWMM decreased over time despite stable survival rates from 2021 to 2025.
• Each additional week of gestational age increased the odds of SWMM (OR 2.62).
• Male sex and lower Apgar scores were associated with decreased odds of SWMM.
• DAMA rates decreased significantly with increasing gestational age.
• Increased rates of BPD and severe ROP were observed over time.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate a need for enhanced strategies to improve SWMM among VPIs, particularly focusing on gestational age and birth weight. Clinicians should consider the implications of sex and Apgar scores in prognostic counseling and care planning.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring of SWMM and associated factors to improve neonatal outcomes in very preterm infants.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescents born very and extremely preterm: a prolonged follow-up from a single-center cohort
2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Risk Patterns Associated with Gestational Age in Preterm Infants Classified as Small for Gestational Age: Findings from a Large Multivariable Cohort Analysis
3. MDSpire News, 2023 -- Preterm Birth Linked to Higher Mortality Risk
4. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Survival without major morbidity in extremely preterm infants: a prospective multicenter study in Shenzhen, China
5. Frontiers, 2025 -- Prevalence of survival without major morbidity and associated risk factors among very preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
6. Outcomes for Very Preterm Infants Across Health Systems | Pediatrics | JAMA Network Open, 2023
7. Toward a Harmonized Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Definition: An International Delphi Process - PubMed, 2023
8. Frontiers | Prevalence of survival without major morbidity and associated risk factors among very preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
9. Outcomes for Very Preterm Infants Across Health Systems | Pediatrics | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
10. Toward a Harmonized Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Definition: An International Delphi Process - PubMed