Survival and pre-discharge outcomes of extremely preterm neonates: a single- center prospective cohort study from the United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVE

Describe survival and short-term outcomes of extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) at a tertiary centre in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to compare outcomes with regional and international data.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective single-center cohort study with passive follow up of infants born between 22⁰⁄₇ and 26⁶⁄₇ weeks' gestation from 2019 to 2025. Survival to discharge and morbidities were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 125 ELGANs, survival to discharge increased from 31% at 22 weeks to 88% at 26 weeks gestational age. Survival among peri-viable infants was higher than regional cohorts and comparable to high-income countries. Major morbidities among survivors included bronchopulmonary dysplasia (54%), intraventricular hemorrhage (53%), and retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment (36%).

CONCLUSION

ELGAN survival in this UAE center was comparable to international benchmarks, though morbidity remains substantial. Improved peri-viable survival compared with regional data may reflect impact of active perinatal care and supports its role in improving outcomes.