A Study has been carried out by  Sweden to learn the outcomes of premature babies less then 27 weeks gestation. The study was conducted  between 1st  April  2004 and 31st March 2007 . The study was conducted to better understand the outcomes of extreme premmie infants over a 365 day period without major mobility which includes  conditions such as intraventricular hemorrhage grade >2, retinopaothy of prematurity stage >2, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The study showed the  associations between perinatal interventions and survival, of 1000 preterm babies studied  707 were live-born and 304 resulted in stillbirths. The babies were  born to 887 mothers in 904 deliveries and there were 102 multiple births recorded in the study.

The study found the difference in the mortality rate differed from those born at 22 weeks being 93% and those being born at 26 weeks being 24%, with the over all mortality rate  for babies born between 22-26 weeks gestation was recorded at 45%.

The study suggested that  both antenatal and neotnatal treatments administered gave the babies a better chance at survival chance, such things include antenatal corticosteroids given to the mother before delivery and surfactant treatment within 2 hours after birth to the baby.

The study also  found the difference in the survival rates between 9.8%  for a 22 weeker and 85% 26 weeker. The overall survival rate in Sweden for babies born between 22-26 weeks gestation was recorded at 70%.

This study gives hope to those who have babies born between 22 – 26 weeks gestation. I am sure with more research we will hear more and more about babies at extreme gestations surviving.

If you like to read more details about this research visit this link