[Long-term outcomes of preterm children]

Abstract

Long-term outcomes of preterm children are one of the major challenges in neonatology. Neurodevelopmental disorders are common in these children. Severe motor, cognitive or neurosensory disorders mainly affect the most immature children. Minor difficulties are present in more than a third of children, whatever their gestational age. School integration is frequently affected, and recourse to developmental support is important. A combination of certain factors should alert caregivers to the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. These include male gender, small for gestational age, high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Early identification of neurodevelopmental disorders makes it possible to provide support for children and their families and to take advantage of the cerebral plasticity of the developing brain.

Keywords: prematurity.