Medical and neurobehavioral outcome in low-birthweight infants

The prognosis for normal medical and neurobehavioral outcome in NICU survivors has been progressively improving during the past few years. Prematurity per se does not reduce the potential for normal outcome, especially in > 1,500-gm preterm infants. For infants ≤ 1,500-gm birthweight, the potential for normal outcome is somewhat diminished, but is nevertheless very encouraging unless complicated by significant IVH. Improved survival and improved neurobehavioral outcome in < 1,000-gm preterm infants remain as major challenges, especially in respect to the prevention of IVH. Although further improvements in neonatal care can be expected to yield modest additional improvements in neurobehavioral outcome, drastic further improvements will likely depend primarily on preventive measures, i.e. favorable trends in birthweight distribution related to improved methods for the prevention of prematurity.