Atlas of Neonatal Pathology: Severe long term sequelae in babies born prematurely

+ Introduction

+ Support

+ Neonatal pathology

Severe long term sequelae in babies born prematurely

Introduction

Babies born at the lower limit of viability have 25% chance of normal life without severe handicap.

Clinical signs

cerebral palsy — seen up to 25% of extremely premature infants (ELBW)
neurosensory deficits (deafness, blindness) — seen in 1 – 10% of ELBW infants
mental retardation (IQ below 80) in 15% of ELBW infants usually in addition to other morbidities
severe growth disturbance
epilepsy
chronic lung disease
surviving infants with severe handicap according to gestational age and birth weight

**Table:** Survival according to the gestational age
Gestational age (weeks)	Children survivnig with severe handicap (%)
23 – 24	60 – 70
25 – 26	50
27 – 29	10 – 30
30 a více	Pod 1%

**Tabulka:** Survival according to the birth weight
Birth weight	Survivors with severe handicap (%)
Under 750 g	30 and more
750 – 1000 g	15 – 20
1000 – 1500 g	5 – 7
1500 – 2500 g	1