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Very low birth weight infants after discharge: What do parents describe?

Juliane Spiegler1, Martin Schlaud, Inke R König

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany. uni@dr-spiegler.de

Early Human Development
|December 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Post-discharge health for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants shows good general health but highlights developmental delays and increased risks for vision and hearing issues. Close follow-up is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care and developmental pediatrics.

Background:

  • Morbidity and mortality data for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants during hospitalization are established.
  • However, comprehensive data on their post-discharge health outcomes remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the health status and developmental trajectories of VLBW infants after hospital discharge.
  • To compare the reported health of VLBW infants with a national cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter study involving 2493 VLBW infants from January 2009 to December 2010.
  • Parental questionnaires were administered within the first year of life.
  • Comparison with the national German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children (KiGGS) cohort.

Main Results:

  • VLBW infants born after 29 weeks gestation had health comparable to term infants.
  • Over 70% of infants born before 24 weeks gestation were reported in good or very good health.
  • Delayed development was reported in over 50% of VLBW infants, increasing with lower gestational age.
  • Increased risks for visual and hearing problems, and more frequent bronchitis were observed in VLBW infants.
  • No significant differences in other infections or sleeping problems were noted compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • VLBW infants require slightly more medical care but their medical issues are minor compared to developmental needs.
  • Specialized follow-up and guidance on infant development are crucial for VLBW infants.
Abstract

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