Survival of preterm infants and their long-term outcomes: A literature review
Bozhbanbayeva N.S. Suleimenova I.E. Sairankyzy S. Aidarova A.A. Narmukhambet M.T.
30 September 2025Kaz Med Print LLP
Reproductive Medicine (Central Asia)
2025#2025Issue 3124 - 135 pp.
Relevance: The survival of extremely preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) remains a critical issue in modern neonatology. Despite advances in medical technologies, neonatal care, and perinatal management strategies, the rates of morbidity and mortality among these infants remain high. Of particular concern are the long-term outcomes, including respiratory, neurological, and neurosensory complications, which significantly affect survivors’ quality of life and developmental trajectories. The study aimed to review scientific research findings and analyze current perspectives on the survival and long-term outcomes of extremely preterm infants. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using 50 studies published between 2016 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, Wiley, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on survival rates and long-term outcomes in preterm infants. Results: Preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation remains the primary cause of infant mortality. Survival rates have improved due to advances in neonatal technologies and care; however, they largely depend on gestational age. In 2019, the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) updated its guidelines on resuscitation for infants born at 22 weeks of gestation, taking into account their mortality risk and the likelihood of severe adverse outcomes. Identified risk factors include male gender, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), congenital anomalies, multiple pregnancies, antenatal rupture of membranes with prolonged latency, and chorioamnionitis. Antenatal corticosteroid therapy and magnesium sulfate administration have improved neonatal outcomes. BAPM extended the viability threshold to include infants born at 22 weeks of gestation. Nevertheless, approximately one-third of these infants develop severe long-term disabilities. International statistics, including BAPM data, indicate that 30–35% of infants born at 22 weeks who receive active treatment survive hospital discharge, but around one-third of survivors experience significant long-term impairments. Conclusion: Over the past two decades, the survival rates of extremely preterm infants have improved markedly due to the enhancement of medical technologies and perinatal care standards. However, there remains a high prevalence of long-term complications among survivors, particularly affecting neurodevelopment, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
extremely low birth weight (ELBW) , gestational age (GA) , outcomes of premature birth , prematurity , preterm birth , survival of premature infants , very low birth weight (VLBW)
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Department of Neonatology, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Neonatology
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
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