Understanding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of very and extremely preterm infants: A clinical review

Abstract

Background: Survival of infants born atsurvivors.

Objective(s): The aim of this article is to provide a pragmatic clinical review of long-term neurodevelopmental risk experienced by very preterm infants.

Discussion: Very preterm infants have a higher risk of cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, deafness and blindness, and autism spectrum disorder when compared with term controls. The presence of Grade 3 or 4 intraventricular haemorrhage or necrotising enterocolitis increased the risk of cerebral palsy, while magnesium sulphate for threatened preterm labour decreased the risk in the surviving neonate. Most of the neurodevelopmental conditions can be diagnosed in early childhood through regular follow-up. General practitioners need to be vigilant about early signs of developmental problems affecting preterm survivors. Regular follow-up is necessary to identify red flags in early development.

RAS ID

31363

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

2019

ISSN

2208-7958

Volume

48

Issue

1-2

PubMed ID

31256447

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

Copyright

free_to_read

Publisher

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Comments

Srinivas Jois, R. (2019). Understanding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of very and extremely preterm infants: A clinical review. Australian Journal of General Practice, 48(1/2), 26-32.

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.31128/AJGP-04-18-4545