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Updated: May 29, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
[Outcome at 2 years of very premature infants. A Tunisian series]
Emira Ben Hamida Nouaili1, Sihem Chaouachi, Asma Bouziri
1Service de Neonatologie, Hopital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisie.
Insights
Very premature infants born before 33 weeks have a high rate of neurodevelopmental disability, including cerebral palsy. Early identification of risk factors is crucial for improving outcomes in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal medicine
- Developmental pediatrics
- Neurology
Context:
- Very premature birth (<33 weeks gestation) is a significant risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Cerebral palsy and neurosensory difficulties are common sequelae in this population.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the neurological outcome at two years of age in infants born very prematurely.
- To determine the incidence of neurodevelopmental disabilities in a cohort of very premature infants.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed very premature infants (born <33 weeks gestation, 2005-2007).
- Of 60 infants with complete follow-up, 13.4% had cerebral palsy and others exhibited neurosensory impairments.
- The incidence of neurosensory handicap was notably high in this cohort.
Impact:
- Findings highlight a significant burden of neurodevelopmental disability among very premature infants.
- Emphasizes the need for enhanced strategies to identify and mitigate risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment.
- Informs clinical practice and research priorities in neonatal care and follow-up.
Background:
Neurodevelopmental outcome of very premature infant can be associated with a high rate of cerebral palsy.
Aim:
To assess the impact of very preterm birth on neurological outcome at the age of two years.
Methods:
Retrospective study of all cases of very premature infants born at less than 33 weeks of gestational age, during the years 2005 to 2007. Neurodevelopmental outcome is reported.
Results:
During the study period, the very premature infant rate was 1.5 %. A complete information about neurological outcome at the age of two years, was obtained in 60 cases.Eight infants (13.4%) showed major handicap (cerebral palsy) and four others infants developed neurosensoriel difficulties.
Conclusion:
The incidence of neurosensoriel handicap in our population seems relatively high. A strong effort must be made for identification of risk factors of neurodevelopmental disability.
