Outcomes of neonates born at <26 weeks gestational age who receive extensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with airway and breathing support

To evaluate outcomes of preterm infants <26 weeks gestational age (GA) following postdelivery extensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) compared with airway and breathing support (ABS). Retrospective review of Canadian Neonatal Network data during January 2010 to December 2016. The primary outcome was death or severe morbidity (intraventricular hemorrhage ≥grade 3 or periventricular leucomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity ≥stage 3, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or necrotizing enterocolitis). Among 3633 infants analyzed, 433 (11.9%) received ECPR. In multivariable analysis, death or severe morbidity was higher in the ECPR versus ABS group [adjusted odds ratio 2.26 (95% confidence interval 1.49, 3.43)]. The majority of the difference was due to increased mortality, which occurred mostly during the first week of life. These data from a recent cohort of infants near the limits of viability may be useful for prognostication for health care providers and counseling of parents.