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[Extremely Low Birthweight Infants in Iceland. Health and development.]

Ingibjœrg Georgsdóttir1, Evald Sæmundsen, Ingibjœrg Símonardóttir

  • 1The State Social Security Institute, Laugavegi 114-116, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. ingibjge@tr.is.

Laeknabladid
|August 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Survival of extremely low birthweight infants (ELBW) has improved, but these children face increased long-term health and developmental issues. This study highlights the need for continued monitoring and support for ELBW survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Context:

  • Extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants (BW<1000g) survival rates in Iceland have risen, particularly after surfactant therapy for Respiratory Distress Syndrome of Prematurity.
  • A national study tracked ELBW infants' survival, health, development, and long-term outcomes, comparing them to a control group.

Purpose:

  • To assess the health, development, and disabilities of ELBW infants in Iceland.
  • To compare outcomes between ELBW infants born before and after surfactant therapy availability.
  • To compare ELBW infants with a matched control group at five years of age.

Summary:

  • ELBW infant survival at 5 years increased from 22% (1982-90) to 52% (1991-95).
  • Despite similar pregnancy and birth complications, ELBW infants born in 1991-95 showed higher rates of maternal smoking and pre-existing maternal diseases.
  • At five years, ELBW children exhibited significantly more abnormal physical and neurological examinations, poorer motor skills, and lower developmental test scores compared to controls.
  • The proportion of ELBW children with disabilities remained similar (16% vs. 14%) across the two periods.

Impact:

  • Improved survival rates for ELBW infants are noted.
  • ELBW infants born in the surfactant therapy era experience more long-term health and developmental challenges.
  • Findings underscore the importance of comprehensive, long-term follow-up care for ELBW survivors to address their specific health and developmental needs.
Abstract

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