Biology versus environment in the extremely low-birth weight infant.
This article examines the role of biologic and environmental factors in determining the long-term outcomes of extremely low-birth weight infants. Research focusing on follow-up to at least 4 years of age is reviewed. Methodologic issues related to sampling, the use of control groups, and diagnostic criteria are also discussed. The use of cumulative models of risk for examining the relative contribution of environmental and biologic factors is presented.
Lester
B M
BM
Department of Pediatrics, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Miller-Loncar
C L
CL
D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015509:Developmental Biology; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000523:psychology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D016896:Treatment Outcome