Abstract
The efficacy of neonatal intensive care for the VLBW (≤1250 gm) infant has been infrequently evaluated in low-income populations because of poor compliance and incomplete patient retrieval. All VLBW infants born at Medical Center Hospital are followed for 2 yrs in a program which provides continuity of contact with medical professionals, comprehensive medical care and periodic developmental evaluation. Parents are supported by telephone contacts, home visits, and developmental counseling. Of 31,608 infants born in 1979–1983, 271 (0.9%) weighed≤1250 gm and 124 (46%) survived. Of 103 who are now 1 yr corrected age or older, 78 (76%) have been successfully followed for at least 1 yr. Mean birthweight and gestational age were 1045 gm (range 709–1250) and 30 wk (range 25–40). Mean maternal age was 22 yr; mean number of yr of maternal education was 10. Mean MDI (mental index) was 97 (<50–140) with 14 (18%) infants scoring >1SD below the mean. Mean PDI (motor index) was 87 (range <50–122) with 21 (27%) infants scoring >1SD. This inborn, poor, medically complicated group of VLBW infants was retrieved at a high rate and shown to have a favorable developmental outcome with a program designed to provide continuity of care and comprehensive medical and developmental services.
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Gonzalez, A., Escobedo, M., Schlansker, J. et al. 43 DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME AT 1 YR. OF VERY LOW A BIRTHWEIGHT (VLBW) INBORN NEONATES OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. Pediatr Res 19, 118 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00073
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00073
