Resuscitation of preterm babies at birth reduces the risk of death from hyaline membrane disease

Abstract

Increased attention to pulmonary aeration and oxygenation by early recourse to active resuscitation at birth was associated with a 20% reduction in mortality from hyaline membrane disease in preterm babies of 1-2 kg in 1971-76 compared with 1960-67. There were no other identifiable changes in management during this period.