Evolution at school age of under 2000 g preterm infants

Objectives: Review the outcome at age 3 to 5 of the under 2000g birth-weight infants, born in our Hospital; and discuss some approaches for after discharge follow-up of preterm infants. Material and Methods: A survey has been undertaken on all neonates under 2000 g birth-weight that survived. It was performed at 3-5 years of age. The survey included information about neurological outcome, hearing and visual impairment, hospital admission after discharge, respiratory disease, and growth. Results: Of 88 eligible patients we have got information of 65. Sixteen (24.6%) had one or more handicaps, 4 infants suffered from mild disability, 10 moderate and 2 severe. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 4 (6.1%), development delay in 5 (7.7%). Thirty-two had had hospital admissions mainly due to infections and surgery. The weight was below P3 in 4 infants (6.1%). Conclusion: The percentage of disability in our cases is similar to other studies. Taking into account only moderate and severe disabilities, more than 80% of preterm infants have a good quality of live.