In conclusion, from 2000 through 2011, rates
of death overall — and specifically, deaths attributed
to immaturity or pulmonary causes
(bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the respiratory
distress syndrome) and those attributed to or
complicated by infection or CNS injury — decreased
among extremely premature infants, while
deaths attributed to necrotizing enterocolitis increased.
Our findings underscore the continued
need to develop and implement strategies for reducing
the potentially lethal complications of premature
birth.