The Obstetrician and the Extremely Immature Fetus (24–26 weeks): Outcome to 5 Years of Age

Abstract

Summary: The aims of this study were to determine the outcome to 5 years of age for fetuses 24–26 weeks of gestational age from the obstetric viewpoint, and to determine if their outcome has improved over time. Consecutive fetuses with gestational ages from 24–26 weeks born at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, during 2 separate eras, Era 1 (1977–1982; n = 198) and Era 2 (1985–1987; n = 128) were studied and their outcome to 5 years of age determined. Fetuses referred with lethal malformations or clearly dead before the onset of labour were excluded. The stillbirth rates were similar in both eras (Era 123.7%, Era 2 21.9%), but the proportion of survivors to 5 years of age was much higher..