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December 2, 2008 6:50:05 AM CST

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Sex a Factor in Preemie Survival

Posted Apr 17, 08 3:53 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Gestational age is not the only factor determining odds of a very premature baby's survival, a study finds. Being female, receiving lung-maturing steroids before birth, an extra 3½ ounces of weight and being a single birth all help as much as an extra week of pregnancy, the AP reports. The findings will help doctors and parents decide on heroic measures to save a fragile preemie.

Sources Associated Press, CTV

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Gestational age%u2014the number of weeks from fertilization to birth%u2014is closely connected to chances of survival. In the study, 95% of babies born at 22 weeks died, while at 25 weeks, only about...   (Getty Images (by Event))
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Half died within two years after birth. About 12% survived, with impairments like blindness, deafness or cerebral palsy. About the same number had even more severe physical or mental disabilities.   (KRT Photos)
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baby • New England Journal of Medicine • preemies • premature babies


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