The analysis led by researchers from the University of Leicester and Imperial College London shows that the number of babies born at 22 weeks receiving respiratory life support in England and Wales tripled after NHS guidelines changed in 2019. The updated guidelines, focusing on a risk-based approach for extremely premature babies, led to a three-fold increase in very premature babies receiving respiratory life support and being admitted to neonatal units. While the survival rate for these babies has increased, the study highlights the major implications for additional resource needs in providing care for babies born at 22 weeks.
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