Imaging procedures and developmental outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit

Behavioural and environmental modification techniques in the neonatal intensive care unit for oxygen-dependent premature infants with chronic lung disease have been shown to result in a decrease in the number of days of respirator support and number of days of supplemental oxygen therapy. Long-term neurodevelopment outcome was significantly better for infants in the experimental therapy group who received specialized environmental modification to decrease stressful stimuli. We present results of cranial ultrasound and chest radiograph studies in this very high-risk population and suggest that such studies represent additional stressful stimuli that should be scheduled with consideration of an overall behavioral infant care plan.