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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Preterm birth and neurodevelopmental outcome: a review
Carla Arpino1, Eliana Compagnone, Maria L Montanaro
1Department of Neurosciences, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, Italy. carla.arpino@uniroma2.it
Summary
Survival rates for preterm infants are increasing, but developmental disabilities remain a concern. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in these vulnerable children.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Rising incidence of preterm birth due to assisted reproductive technology and multiple gestations.
- Improved obstetric and neonatal care increases survival rates of preterm infants.
- Increased survival necessitates a better understanding of developmental disability risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm infants.
- To define the clinical pictures and risks associated with preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of international medical literature.
- PubMed database search for articles published between 2000 and January 2010.
- Focus on neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm infants.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in survival rates for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
- Disappointing stability in disability trends among ELBW infants.
- Late-preterm infants, previously considered low-risk, now show increased risk for neurodevelopmental issues.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis is critical for timely and appropriate treatment decisions.
- Ongoing research is needed to fully define and manage neurodevelopmental risks.
- The findings underscore the importance of neurodevelopmental surveillance in all preterm infants.
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