extremely preterm
Gestational age classification for infants born before 28 completed weeks of pregnancy, representing the highest-risk premature population.
Full Definition
Extremely preterm refers to infants born before 28 completed weeks of gestation (less than 28 0/7 weeks), representing the most vulnerable subset of premature births with the highest rates of mortality and long-term morbidity. These infants face significant challenges including severe respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and neurodevelopmental delays. Survival rates have improved with advances in neonatal intensive care, but outcomes remain closely tied to gestational age at birth, with each additional week in utero significantly improving prognosis. Care decisions for extremely preterm infants often involve complex ethical considerations regarding initiation and continuation of intensive care measures.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate; specify exact gestational age when known for precision in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The extremely preterm infant born at 25 weeks required immediate intubation and comprehensive life support measures." — Neonatal intensive care admission
- "Long-term follow-up programs for extremely preterm survivors focus on neurodevelopmental and growth monitoring through school age." — High-risk infant clinic protocol