[Risk assessment of pre-term infants].

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Public Health

Context:

• Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, presents significant challenges for infant neurodevelopment and long-term health.
• Infants born extremely preterm (before 28 weeks) often require extensive medical support, with 85% needing interventions by age five.
• Even late preterm births (34-36 weeks) are linked to increased risks of developmental impairment and chronic conditions.

Purpose:

• To synthesize current understanding of the neurodevelopmental and somatic outcomes for premature infants.
• To highlight the long-term health consequences and risks associated with various stages of preterm birth.
• To inform insurance medicine and healthcare providers about the ongoing needs and risks of preterm survivors.

Summary:

• Preterm birth is associated with a spectrum of adverse outcomes, with risks generally decreasing as gestational age increases.
• Long-term follow-up into early adulthood reveals higher incidences of asthma, psychiatric disorders, hypertension, reduced insulin sensitivity, and lower exercise capacity in former preterm infants.
• While early childhood assessments have limited predictive value, preterm birth is linked to increased overall mortality extending into adulthood.

Impact:

• Provides critical data for insurance medicine regarding the long-term care needs and risks of preterm infants.
• Underscores the importance of continued monitoring and support for preterm survivors throughout their lives.
• Highlights the need for further research into the contribution of preterm-related risk factors to adult cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and mortality.