Abstract
Introduction: The aim of the study is to analyze the hospitalization course of extremely preterm infants born between 2018–2022 at the Department of Neonatal Diseases at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin.
Materials and methods: A single-center retrospective study included 68 extremely premature infants of both sexes. Anthropometric parameters at birth and at hospital discharge, nutrition mode, and complications of prematurity were analyzed.
Results: At the Department of Neonatal Diseases at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, between 2018–2022, 68 extremely preterm infants were born. The mean gestational age was 25.8 ±1.72 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 844.89 ±213.13 g. Twenty-three infants (33.82%) died before hospital discharge; 22 deaths occurred by day 6 of life and were not included in further analysis. Most infants were born in medium condition; 35 (76.08%) preterm neonates required invasive, and 11 (23.91%) noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Thirty-four (73.91%) of all babies were born with congenital infections, and 28 (60.87%) developed acquired infections. The most common complications of prematurity were bronchopulmonary dysplasia (43.47%) and hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (52.17%). Forty (86.96%) of all extremely preterm infants were breastfed at the Department, with a mean breastfeeding duration of 71.4 ±27.51 days, and 82.05% of mothers continued breastfeeding after hospital discharge. The mean time of hospitalization was 85.5 ±26.52 days.
Conclusions: Hospitalization of extremely premature infants is associated with a high risk of complications and death. The most common complications are infections and diseases typical for this age group. Many newborns do not gain weight properly. Continuous improvement in the management, prevention, and treatment of extremely preterm infants is warranted.