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Table 2 Priority evidence-based packages and interventions for preterm babies.

From: Born Too Soon: Care for the preterm baby

 

Grade

Essential Newborn Care For All Babies

 

Thermal care (drying, warming, skin-to-skin and delayed bathing) Hygienic cord and skin care Early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding

Evidence: Low to moderate Recommendation: Strong

Neonatal resuscitation for babies who do not breathe at birth

Evidence: Low to moderate Recommendation: Strong

Extra Care For Small Babies

 

Kangaroo Mother Care for small babies (birthweight <2,000 g) Extra support for feeding

Evidence: Moderate to high

Recommendation: Strong

Care For Preterm Babies With Complications

 

Case management of babies with signs of infection Safe oxygen management and supportive care for RDS Case management of babies with significant jaundice

Evidence: Moderate to high* Recommendation: Strong

Hospital care of preterm babies with RDS including if appropriate, CPAP and/or surfactant

Evidence: Moderate to high*

Recommendation: Strong

Intensive neonatal care

Evidence: High*

Recommendation: Strong

  1. Source: Born Too Soon, Chapter 5 [113] adapted from The Healthy newborn: A reference guide for program managers (Lawn et al., 2001) [39], and PMNCH essential Interventions (PMNCH, 2011) [127] using WHO guidelines, LiST, Cochrane and other reviews, with detailed references in text. *Note that the evidence is mostly from high-income countries and more context specific research required in middleand low-income settings.