Survival Assessment in Extremely Preterm Neonates in a Middle-income Setting

Maria J. Rodriguez-Sibaja¹Olivo Herrera-Ortega¹Mario I. Lumbreras-Marquez^1,2Deneb Morales-Barquet¹Sandra Acevedo-Gallegos¹Yazmin Copado-Mendoza¹Dulce M. Camarena-Cabrera¹Juan M. Gallardo-Gaona^1*

• ¹Instituto Nacional de Perinatología (INPER), Mexico City, Mexico
• ²Panamerican University, Benito Juárez, México, Mexico

Prematurity remains one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and long-term morbidity worldwide, with extremely preterm infants being at the highest risk. While survival rates for these neonates have improved globally, significant variability persists, particularly across different income settings. This study evaluates outcomes of extremely preterm neonates born at 22.0 to 27.6 weeks of gestation in a middle-income setting, using a descriptive, single-center approach. By calculating survival using three different denominators it provides a comprehensive assessment of survival rates and associated morbidity. While limited to one institution, the findings address a critical gap in the literature by offering data specific to resource-limited settings. This manuscript aligns with the Frontiers in Pediatrics -Neonatology Section by advancing the understanding of preterm neonatal outcomes in diverse socioeconomic contexts. It contributes valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers aiming to optimize neonatal care globally while highlighting the need for future multicentric studies in different contexts.