Management and outcomes of extreme preterm birth

What you need to know- Overall survival of babies born extremely preterm has improved in recent years, but evidence for improvements in longer term neurodevelopmental outcomes is limited.- Recent changes in obstetric care include how, when, and to whom to administer. steroids, surfactant, and new treatments such as antenatal magnesium sulphate or delayed cord clamping and placental transfusion.- Active participation of parents in treatment may positively influence bonding as well as longer term outcomes for child and family.- Variability in provision of care for extreme preterm birth has an impact on morbidity and mortality outcomes.- Extreme preterm birth has a social impact on mothers, fathers, children born preterm, and their families; the value of investing early in life to prevent later complications is now widely recognised.