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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

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Growth, developmental milestones and health problems in the first 2 years in very preterm infants compared with term

Hans Ulrich Bucher1, Christa Killer, Yvonne Ochsner

  • 1Clinic for Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. buh@fhk.usz.ch

European Journal of Pediatrics
|May 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Very preterm infants show significant growth deficits and developmental delays in their first two years. These infants also experience higher rates of hospital readmissions compared to full-term infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Infant outcomes vary significantly by region and country.
  • Preterm birth before 32 weeks gestation presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate growth, developmental milestones, and post-discharge morbidity in very preterm infants in Switzerland.
  • Compare outcomes of very preterm infants with those born at term.

Main Methods:

  • National survey using questionnaires sent to parents of 456 survivors born in 1996.
  • 309 very preterm infants' data matched with 309 term-born control infants.
  • Data collected at corrected age of 24 months.

Main Results:

  • Very preterm infants had significantly lower weight, length, and head circumference.
  • Delayed milestones in spoon-feeding, cup drinking, and independent walking were observed.
  • 16% of very preterm infants were unable to walk independently by 18 months, increasing cerebral palsy risk.
  • 35% of very preterm infants required hospital readmission within 24 months, versus 20% of controls.

Conclusions:

  • National data quantify growth retardation, developmental delay, and health issues in preterm infants.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving long-term outcomes.
Abstract

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