High Risk Infants Follow-Up: A Case Study in Iran
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Mohammad Heidarzadeh1, Behzad Jodeiry1, Mohammad Baqer Hosseini1
1Pediatric Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615739, Iran.
Insights
A six-month follow-up care program for high-risk infants significantly improved anthropometric indices, including head circumference and weight, compared to routine care. This intervention helps prevent adverse outcomes in vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric follow-up programs
Background:
- A follow-up program for high-risk infants was established in Alzahra Maternity Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, in 2013.
- This study reports on the program's initial outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured follow-up care program for high-risk neonates.
- To assess the impact of the program on infant anthropometric measurements and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving two groups of high-risk neonates.
- Intervention group (509 infants) received comprehensive follow-up care, including parental education and periodic clinical evaluations for six months.
- Control group (131 infants) received standard postnatal care without a specific follow-up program.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in head circumference at two and four months, and weight at one, four, five, and six months in the intervention group.
- Height showed significant improvement at six months in the intervention group.
- Improvements were also noted in certain clinical conditions following the follow-up care.
Conclusions:
- A minimum of six months of follow-up care post-discharge is beneficial for high-risk infants.
- Such programs can help mitigate adverse and life-threatening consequences in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Background. A follow-up program for high risk infants was initiated in Alzahra Maternity Hospital in Tabriz city, Iran, in 2013. The aim of this paper is to give a brief report of the program. Material and Methods. Two groups of high risk neonates were studied. The first group comprising 509 infants received services in Alzahra Maternity Hospital implemented by the follow-up program. This included a full package for family to look after high risk infant and periodic clinical evaluation at two and four weeks after birth and then two, three, four, five, and six months later again. The second group including 131 infants in Taleqani Maternity Hospital received routine services after birth with no specific follow-up care. Results. Some anthropometric indices showed a significant improvement in the intervention hospital compared to control group. These included the following: head circumference at first and second months; weight in the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth months; and height in sixth month only. Clinical evaluation of infants showed an improvement for some of the medical conditions. Conclusion. Follow-up care program for a minimum of six months after discharge from maternity hospitals may help to avoid adverse and life threatening consequences in high risk infants.
