Abstract:

In May 2023, a series of thematic articles published in The Lancet introduced a novel concept—small vulnerable neonates (SVN) which categorizes preterm, small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight (LBW) neonates under a unified framework. Preterm birth, SGA, and LBW have their respective definitions and have long been considered distinct populations in different clinical practices. However, there is considerable overlap among these three categories, and their pathophysiological mechanisms interact. Isolated definitions fail to capture the full picture of these neonates, potentially leading to an underestimation of the number of high-risk newborns and affecting clinical decision-making. The introduction of the SVN concept aims to increase attention to this group through a new perspective, comprehensively reflect the overall issues of high-risk newborns, and promote the health and sustainable development of perinatal medicine, neonatology, pediatrics, and even society as a whole. In the future, SVN is poised to become a core concept in disciplinary advancement and clinical practice. Therefore, this review elaborates on the background of the SVN concept, its implications for epidemiological research, as well as prevention and intervention strategies, to help clinicians and medical researchers understand this new concept and appreciate the rationale behind SVN and its significance for future development.

Key words: small vulnerable neonate, epidemiological research, prevention, intervention strategy