In 2010, 77% of perinatal deaths were of prematurely
born infants (2). Mortality was especially high
(32%) for infants born before GW 28, while late preterm
infants, i.e., those born after GW 32, still had
1.3% perinatal mortality (more than ten times that of
non-premature infants). In addition to high mortality,
very small preterm infants are at high risk for serious
long-term complications (2).
The goal of all attempts to prevent and treat premature
labor is to improve newborn infants’ chances of
surviving with as few complications as possible.