Comprehensive primary care follow-up for premature infants

Advances in perinatal and neonatal care have led to an increased incidence of survival of premature infants. Although most premature infants have normal outcomes, they are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality and require comprehensive primary care follow-up after they are discharged from the hospital. This article will review guidelines for general follow-up of premature infants and the associated problems related to prematurity. General follow-up is performed by the pediatric nurse practitioner, with subspecialty consultant referrals as needed. Knowledge of the problems of prematurity and treatment regimes will assist the pediatric nurse practitioner in providing high-quality care to these high-risk infants.