Care from Birth to Discharge of Infants Born at 22 to 23 Weeks' Gestation.

The clinical care of infants born at 22 weeks' gestation must be well-designed and standardized if optimal results are to be expected. Although several approaches to care in this vulnerable population are possible, protocols should be neither random nor inconsistent. We describe the approach taken at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit with respect to preterm infants born at 22 weeks' gestation.

Cardiorespiratory management of infants born at 22 weeks' gestation: The Iowa approach.

The approach to clinical care of infants born at 22 weeks' gestation must be consistent and well-designed if optimal results are to be expected. Publications from several international centers have demonstrated that, although there may be variance in aspects of care in this vulnerable population, treatment should be neither random nor inconsistent. In designing a standardized approach, careful attention should be paid to the unique anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of this vulnerable patient population.