Very low birthweight babies: measuring their burden
While advances in perinatal medicine, including surfactant therapy and increased use of antenatal steroids, have increased the survival rate of extremely low birthweight (ELBW) babies (
While advances in perinatal medicine, including surfactant therapy and increased use of antenatal steroids, have increased the survival rate of extremely low birthweight (ELBW) babies (<1,000 g), many still have considerable long-term health and educational needs, according to a study that followed these children until age 8.
Researchers followed up on 219 ELBW children born between 1992 and 1995 and 176 normal birthweight (NBW) controls. They found that 64% of the ELBW children versus 20% of the NBW children had functional limitations (OR 8.1), 48% of the ELBW group versus 23% of the NBW group had compensatory dependency needs (OR 3.0), and 65% of the ELBW children versus 27% of the NBW children required services above those routinely required (OR 5.4). Specific diagnoses included cerebral palsy, asthma, vision of less than 20/200, low IQ of less than 85, limited academic skills, poor motor skills, and poor adaptive functioning.
Hack M, Taylor HG, Drotar D, et al. Chronic conditions, functional limitations, and special health care needs of school-aged children born with extremely low-birth-weight in the 1990s. JAMA. 2005;294:318-325
Early preterm birth risk linked to low PlGF levels during pregnancy screening
November 20th 2024New research highlights that low levels of placental growth factor during mid-pregnancy screening can effectively predict early preterm birth, offering a potential tool to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes.
Read More
Major congenital malformations not linked to first trimester tetracycline use
November 20th 2024A large population-based study found that first-trimester tetracycline exposure does not elevate the risk of major congenital malformations, though specific risks for nervous system and eye anomalies warrant further research.
Read More
No link found between prenatal cannabis use and childhood developmental delay
November 5th 2024In a recent study, offspring of women with cannabis use in early pregnancy confirmed by self-report or toxicology test were not at an increased risk of childhood early developmental delay up to the age of 5.5 years.
Read More
Prenatal cannabis use not linked to offspring ASD development
November 1st 2024In a recent study, adjustments for maternal characteristics mediated the association between maternal prenatal cannabis use and offspring autism spectrum disorder, indicating no statistically significant increase in risk.
Read More
Importance of reproductive health services for adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic
October 30th 2024In a recent study, high rates of reproductive health service use were reported among adolescent mothers, indicating the benefits of this model for providing care when other options are unavailable.
Read More
