Extreme Prematurity Poses Persistent Infection Risk Despite Survival Gains
A new review reveals that infants born before 24 weeks of gestation face stubbornly high rates of bacterial and fungal infections, even as neonatal care has dramatically improved survival odds. The findings highlight critical gaps in how hospitals prevent and treat these infections—a gap that has major cost and outcomes implications for neonatal intensive care units.
Originaltitel: Bacterial and fungal infections in infants born before 24 weeks’ gestation: a review
Infants born before 24 weeks' gestational age face unique challenges compared to more mature preterm infants. This includes a higher risk of infection, which remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Over the last two decades, advancements in neonatal care have resulted in higher rates of survival. However, invasive bacterial and fungal infections continue to pose significant threats. This narrative review highlights the epidemiology, microbiology, and related outcomes of bacterial and fungal infections in infants born before 24 weeks' gestational age. This review also discusses major knowledge gaps in infection epidemiology, prevention, and management, highlighting the need for more robust international data and innovative strategies to address the unique vulnerabilities of these infants.