Extremely Premature Infant Care

A few years ago, the survival rate for babies born at 23 weeks was 10 percent.  Thanks in large part to research efforts aimed at improving and standardizing care of extremely premature infants, more premature babies at Nationwide Children’s are thriving.  Today, the survival rate at Nationwide Children’s for babies born at 23 weeks is 63 percent. Learn about Nationwide Children’s Small Baby Guidelines.

Faculty Focused on Extremely Premature Infant Care

Basic Science/Translational:

• John Bauer, PhD
• Yusen Liu, PhD

Clinical/Translational Research:

• Leif Nelin, MD
• Edward Shepherd, MD
• Nehal Parikh, DO
• Craig Nankervis, MD
• Jenn Gonya, PhD
• Beth Martin, RN

Latest Findings in Extremely Premature Infant Care Research

Blood Pressure Support in the Very Low-Birth-Weight Infant During the First Week of Life
This review article discusses the mechanics of transitional circulation, the relationship between blood pressure and systemic blood flow, and the therapies used to treat infants with compromised organ perfusion.

Access an abstract of this study: Blood pressure support in the very low-birth-weight infant during the first week of life. Adv Neonatal Care. 2012 Jun;12(3):158-63.

Predicting Outcomes for Extremely Preterm Infants throughout an Entire NICU Stay
The goal of this study was to develop outcome predictors for extremely preterm infants using factors available over the course of NICU hospitalization. They found that prediction of death or neurodevelopmental impairment is improved by using information available later during the clinical course. The importance of birth weight declines, whereas the importance of respiratory illness severity increases with advancing postnatal age.

Access an abstract of this study: Outcome Trajectories in Extremely Preterm Infants. Pediatrics. 2012 Jul;130(1):e115-e125.

Preemies Still Receive Inhaled Nitric Oxide Despite Lack of Supporting Evidence and Standards
This study found that inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) practice patterns in preterm infants varied widely among institutions.  Adherence to National Institutes of Health consensus guidelines may decrease variation in iNO use.

Access an abstract of this study: Hospital Variation in Nitric Oxide Use for Premature Infants. Pediatrics. 2012 Mar 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Current Extremely Premature Infant Care Grants

Multiple Chronic Conditions in VLBW Infants: Epidemiology, NICU Care, and Outcomes, Anonymous (William Gardner)

The Neonatal Research Network grant, National Institute of Child Health and Development (Leif Nelin, MD)