Preventive and health promoting activities for preterm infants with a getational age less tha 32 weeks or a weight less than 1500 g. From hospital discharge to seven years of age (2nd part)

The specific developmental problems of infants weighing under 1500 g at birth have been studied in recent years. Premature infants who weigh under 1500 g or less than 32 weeks of gestational age typically sit unsupported and walk later than term infants. One of the peculiarities often observed in these subjects is the onset of transitory hypertonia. Medical conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia or low birth weight can also delay the age at which an infant is able to sit unsupported or walk. The developing brain of the premature infant is extremely vulnerable to injury. The long-term consequences of such injury include motor deficits commonly referred to as cerebral palsy (a nonprogressive injury of the central nervous system characterized by abnormal control of movement and posture) as well as cognitive and behavioral problems. The risk for neurodevelopmental deficits increases with decreasing gestational age, resulting in relatively high risk of cerebral palsy, developmental delay, hearing and vision impairment, and subnormal academic achievement among these preterm infants. The relationship established between these premature children and their parents is also affected. Certain kind of care applicable to the infant and family seems to improve the prognosis of these children.