Variability in the management and outcomes of extremely preterm births across five European countries: A population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To explore international variations in the management and survival of extremely low gestational age and birthweight births. DESIGN: Area-based prospective cohort of births SETTING: 12 regions across Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and the UK PARTICIPANTS: 1449 live births and fetal deaths between 22+0 and 25+6 weeks gestation born in 2011-2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of births; recorded live born; provided antenatal steroids or respiratory support; surviving to discharge (with/without severe morbidities). RESULTS: The percentage of births recorded as live born was consistently low at 22 weeks and consistently high at 25 weeks but varied internationally at 23 weeks for those weighing 500 g and over (range 33%-70%) and at 24 weeks for those under 500 g (range 5%-71%). Antenatal steroids and provision of respiratory support at 22-24 weeks gestation varied between countries, but were consistently high for babies born at 25 weeks. Survival to discharge was universally poor at 22 weeks gestation (0%) and at any gestation with birth weight