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

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Australian Journal of General Practice

ISSN

2208-7958

Volume

48

Issue

1-2

First Page

26

Last Page

32

PubMed ID

31256447

Publisher

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

31363

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.

Available here.

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.

DOI

10.31128/AJGP-04-18-4545

Access Rights

free_to_read

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