Early Postnatal Management of an Extremely Low Birth Weight Periviable Infant

Abstract

Periviable neonates have been implicated in a higher incidence of multi-organ injuries and complications due to the extreme prematurity, which is usually associated with poor prognosis. To date, postnatal management of periviable neonates remains one of the most challenging issues, and has been reported by limited studies. By individualized treatment and intensive care, including effective resuscitation, respiratory and circulatory support, active nutritional support and feeding, prevention and treatment of infection, management of endocrine and metabolic problems, management of preterm-related complications, and individualized nursing such as developmentally supportive care and family integrated care, a periviable baby with gestational age of 230/7 weeks and birth weight of 450 g was successfully rescued by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences· Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital. We summarized early postnatal management of this periviable baby and reviewing relevant literature, aiming at providing evidence for improving the survival and prognosis of periviable babies with birth weight <500 g.

Keywords

• infant, premature|extremely low birth weight infant|individualized medicine, nursing|neonatal nursing|periviable birth|case reports