Prematurity: Prognosis
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Advances in medical care have made it possible for many premature infants to survive and develop normally. However, whether or not a premature infant will survive is still intimately tied to his or her gestational age:
- 21 weeks or less: 0% survival rate
- 22 weeks: 0–10% survival rate
- 23 weeks: 10–35% survival rate
- 24 weeks: 40–70% survival rate
- 25 weeks: 50–80% survival rate
- 26 weeks: 80–90% survival rate
- 27 weeks: greater than 90% survival rate
Physicians cannot predict long-term complications of prematurity and some consequences may not become evident until the child is school-aged. Minor disabilities like learning problems, poor coordination, or short attention span may be the result of premature birth, but can be overcome with early intervention. The risks of serious long term complications depend on many factors including how premature the infant was at birth, weight at birth, and the presence or absence of breathing problems. The development of infection or the presence of a birth defect can also affect long term prognosis. Severe disabilities like brain damage, blindness, and chronic lung problems are possible and may require ongoing care.
— Altha Roberts Edgren
