Babies born at 22 weeks ‘can now survive’
BBC News 23 October 2019
Family First Comment: “Previously it was recommended that only babies born at 23 weeks or later were given treatment to save their lives. But there is now evidence those born earlier can survive – although only in small numbers – the British Association of Perinatal Medicine said. It said most will die but a third may survive where treatment is possible.”
Improving survival rates for extremely premature babies mean it is now possible to save the lives of babies born at 22 weeks, guidance says.
Previously it was recommended that only babies born at 23 weeks or later were given treatment to save their lives.
But there is now evidence those born earlier can survive – although only in small numbers – the British Association of Perinatal Medicine said.
It said most will die but a third may survive where treatment is possible.
Prof Dominic Wilkinson, a consultant neonatologist who helped draw up the guidance, said since the previous guidance was published, advances in treatment meant doctors were trying to save the lives of some babies born at 22 weeks.
He said evidence from those cases had convinced BAPM to update its guidance.
He said it was “fantastic news” that some babies born at such an early stage were now surviving.
But he added: “The very high risks mean it’s not always the right thing to do to provide intensive medical treatment.”
READ MORE: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-50144741
