The influence of prematurity on neonatal surgical morbidity and mortality

Large database study of 4,852 infants demonstrates that prematurity significantly increases surgical morbidity and mortality, with extremely preterm infants having 3.2 times higher odds of complications and 22.2% mortality versus 2.9% in term infants. Findings support risk-adjustment for gestational age in quality metrics and targeted interventions for premature populations.