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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Follow-up studies of very low birthweight children in Sweden
1Paediatric Clinic, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden. per-olof.gaddlin@lj.se
Insights
Regular follow-up is crucial for very low birthweight (VLBW) or extremely preterm (EPT) infants, as these children face higher risks for developmental issues. Swedish studies highlight the need for integrated clinical practice to monitor their long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Very low birthweight (VLBW) and extremely preterm (EPT) infants face increased risks for neurosensory disabilities, behavioral issues, and challenges transitioning to adulthood.
- Outcome data from follow-up studies are vital for healthcare professionals, parents, educators, and society.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review follow-up studies of VLBW or EPT infant populations in Sweden.
- To consolidate findings from studies published between 1995 and 2009.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published Swedish follow-up studies.
- Analysis of outcome data for VLBW/EPT infants.
Main Results:
- Swedish follow-up studies provide essential data on the outcomes of VLBW and EPT infants.
- These studies underscore the long-term risks and developmental trajectories of these high-risk populations.
Conclusions:
- Evidence from Swedish follow-up studies necessitates integration into clinical practice.
- Regular, specific follow-up examinations for VLBW/EPT children are recommended from birth to school-start.
- Assessments should encompass neurological, visual, auditory, cognitive, behavioral, and growth outcomes.
Unlabelled:
Follow-up studies are essential to our knowledge of outcome in very low birthweight (VLBW) or extremely preterm (EPT) infants because those children have a greater risk for developing neurosensory disabilities and behavioural and educational problems and have decreased probability for an optimal transition into adulthood compared to term controls. Outcome data are of interest not only to healthcare professionals but also to parents, schoolteachers and society. The aim of this review is to describe the follow-up studies of seven populations of VLBW or EPT infants performed in Sweden and published between 1995 and 2009.
Conclusion:
The time has come to implement evident data from these Swedish follow-up studies into clinical practice and to perform regular and specific follow-up examinations during childhood for all VLBW and EPT children. These assessments, specially designed for high-risk infants, should consider the potential outcomes for neurological, visual, auditory function and cognitive function as well as behaviour and growth, from birth to school-start.
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