Pre-, peri- and postnatal prevention of major neuropediatric handicaps

Actual preventive aspects on major neuropediatric handicaps -- particularly cerebral palsy and severe mental retardation -- are surveyed. Based on Swedish epidemiologic studies on the changing pattern through 1954--70 it has been possible to conclude that postnatal preventive measures are largely completed, and that perinatal brain damage syndromes have significantly decreased, while prenatal mechanisms now dominate and still constitute mainly unsolved problems. The study has convincingly revealed that modern neonatal intensive care does pay and has given favorable gains not only in surviving but in undamaged babies.