Abstract
A comprehensive assessment of the medical, developmental and psychosocial outcome of a heterogenous group of 131 NICU graduates was made by a multidisciplinary team at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 months of age. Results of an in-depth clinical interview conducted at 6 months were analyzed to determine what psychosocial issues were most stressful to these families.
Synthesis of the multiple medical problems encountered indicated that most infants were initially identified as having a problem at 6 months (28%); resolution of these problems required varying amounts of time, with an even distribution of cases showing at medical risk, 50% showed resolution over the ages studied while 43% did not. Cognitive functioning, assessed with the Bayley exam from 6 to 24 months, was generally found to be one standard deviation below average, with the sample consistently showing lower psychomotor than mental development. General cognition, assessed with the McCarthy scales, was found to be within average ranges; however, motor scores were significantly lower than verbal scores.
The most frequently identified psychosocial problems were financial stress, medical costs, and marital adjustment. Extended family support was noted to be a central factor in helping to resolve difficulties associated with having a high-risk infant.
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Dabiri, C., Krafchuk, E., Bliss, I. et al. 524 A DESCRIPTION OF MEDICAL, DEVELOPMENTAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL OUTCOME FROM 6 TO 48 MONTHS IN A GROUP OF NICU GRADUATES. Pediatr Res 19, 198 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00554
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00554
