Background

Extremely premature infants, although not numerous in absolute numbers, have been the focus of attention in the medical and social fields due to their higher mortality and disability rates, as well as the significant medical resources they consume. In recent years, with the development of perinatal medicine and the innovation of premature infant treatment techniques, the survival rate of extremely premature infants has significantly improved. However, many complications such as brain injury, chronic lung disease, and sensory impairments remain unresolved, and long-term prognosis still warrants attention. There is an ongoing debate regarding the lowest gestation age limit for active treatment of extremely premature infants. The proportion of extremely premature infants receiving active treatment, as well as the ultimate survival rate and long-term prognosis, vary greatly among countries with different levels of development. Seeking new techniques and concepts for the treatment of extremely premature infants to improve their prognosis has always been a direction we need to strive for.

The goal of this Research Topic primarily centres on clinical issues pertaining to extremely preterm infants. It encompasses a broad range of investigations, including but not limited to epidemiological studies of extremely preterm infants and analyses of the mechanisms and interventions for diseases associated with this specific population. The primary objective is to advance clinical practice and enhance the prognosis of extremely preterm infants.

This research topic will focus on the study of the following issues:

1. Large-scale epidemiological studies on the treatment status and long-term follow-up of extremely premature infants in countries at different levels of development.
2. New technologies, methods, and concepts in the treatment of extremely premature infants.
3. Research on the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of major complications in extremely premature infants such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
4. Ethical considerations related to extremely premature infants.

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Care of the Extremely Preterm Infant - Volume II