Prematurity is a major problem in the United States and globally. Preterm infants born at very low birth weight (<1500 g) experience increased mortality (7%-22%), and only 58% to 74% of these infants survive without the major morbidities of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, or retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment. Preterm survivors are at risk of having long-term morbidity, including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, blindness, and hearing loss. During 2008 to 2016, the annual societal economic cost associated with preterm birth in the United States was at least $26.2 billion. During the first 6 months of life, mean first-year medical costs were about 10 times greater for preterm infants ($76 153) than for term infants ($6743). Therefore, interventions to decrease preterm mortality and morbidity are of the utmost importance.
Clinical Practice Guidelines