Citation

Toome L, Varendi H, Männamaa M, Vals MA, Tänavsuu T, Kolk A. Acta Paediatr. 2013; 102(3): 300-307.

Affiliation

Department of Paediatrics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Clinic of Paediatrics, Tallinn Children's Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/apa.12091

PMID

23176138

Abstract

AIM: To study very low gestational age (VLGA, <32 weeks) infants at two years of age and to identify the predictors of adverse outcomes. METHODS: A population-based cohort of 155 surviving VLGA infants born in Estonia in 2007 was followed up and compared with a matched full-term control group. A logistic regression model was used to test associations between risk factors and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: No impairment was found in 60% of the VLGA infants. Neurodevelopmental impairment was noted in 12% of VLGA infants, with 8% of the infants affected by cerebral palsy without independent walking, 5% with cognitive delay, 10% with language delay, and 1% with hearing impairment. The differences between preterm and full-term infants in terms of the mean Cognitive, Language, and Motor Composite Scores assessed using the Bayley-III scales were in excess of 0.5 SD. Somatic growth delay was a significant problem among preterm infants. The existence of severe neonatal cerebral lesions was the most significant predictor of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: In all domains studied, adverse conditions were more prevalent among VLGA infants than among the full-term control group. Efforts to reduce neonatal morbidity in preterm infants should be a key priority for health care in Estonia. ©2012 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica ©2012 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.

Language: en