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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

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

Published on: August 25, 2014

An overview of mortality and sequelae of preterm birth from infancy to adulthood

Saroj Saigal1, Lex W Doyle

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. saigal@mcmaster.ca

Lancet (London, England)
|January 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Infants born prematurely face long-term health risks, including developmental and behavioral issues. However, most very preterm infants adapt well into adulthood, shifting focus to preventing complications like brain injury.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Perinatal Health

Background:

  • Survival rates for infants of borderline viability have significantly improved.
  • Despite improved survival, preterm infants face substantial short- and long-term morbidities.
  • Morbidity is inversely correlated with gestational age, with no gestational age entirely exempt from risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the spectrum of complications in preterm infants.
  • To emphasize the shift in focus towards reducing long-term morbidity and preventing brain injury.
  • To advocate for continued follow-up to identify later-life risks such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on preterm infant outcomes.
  • Analysis of morbidity patterns related to gestational age.
  • Longitudinal observation of preterm survivors into adulthood.

Main Results:

  • Preterm infants experience neurodevelopmental disabilities and recurrent health problems in childhood.
  • Hidden disabilities like learning and behavioral problems emerge in adolescence.
  • Most very preterm survivors adjust well during the transition to adulthood.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced mortality necessitates a focus on preventing long-term morbidity, particularly brain injury.
  • Long-term follow-up is crucial for identifying risks of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in preterm survivors.
  • Strategies for perinatal interventions must evolve to address the comprehensive health needs of preterm infants throughout their lives.

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