Blog Details

Clinical Management and Short-Term Outcomes of Neonates born at 22 Weeks in the UK (IRAS 346626)

A national prospective observational study of babies born at 22 weeks gestation, the clinical interventions they receive and short-term outcomes.

Trainee Lead: Dr Helen McDermott

Consultant Lead: Dr Cheryl Battersby

Summary of the Study

In the UK, most babies born at 22 weeks have only been offered stabilisation and admission to a neonatal unit since 2019. Only a small number of babies are born this early each year and sadly most of them do not survive for very long or until going home. This means that we don’t have a lot of information about these babies, the intensive care support given or outcomes in the UK.

The aim of this study is to collect and analyse data from across the UK about babies born at 22 weeks. Thus, we hope that this will enable healthcare professionals and families to better understand, address and improve some of the challenges faced by babies born at 22 weeks.

This study is an observational study and will not impact the care that babies receive.

Information for Health Care Professionals

Consultants, resident doctors and ANNPs who participate get involved by:

• – registering the project with your trust R&D department
• – detailed clinical data collection, particularly throughout the first week of admission of any 22-week baby born in your unit or transferred in
• – explaining the project to your team and to parents

We anticipate it will take around 10-20 minutes per day for the first 7 days and then data collection will be weekly onto the online database REDCap. This project is set to run over 12 months from mid-2025. You can participate for a 6-12 month period depending on your rotations.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more, contribute to the care of the tiniest babies and families that we look after and add to your CV/portfolio. All contributions will be credited on any presentations/publications.

Results of this study are expected in Late 2027

Information for Parents and Families

Parent Information Leaflets

Collaborators

Presentations and Publications

Work from this study has been accepted for a Poster presentation at the Pediatric Academic Societies Conference 2026.