[From preterm birth to adulthood].
Mortality among low birthweight infants has decreased and their neurological prognosis has improved over the recent decades. A major neurological impairment is, however, still found at preschool age in almost one fifth of those born with a birthweight of less than 1000 g. They often have difficulties in scholastic skills and become independent more slowly than their age-mates, but most of them will lead a normal adult life. They do, however, possess more risk factors of cardiovascular disease as compared with those born after a full-term pregnancy. In adult life these premature infants instead exhibit less high-risk behavior.
Mikkola
Kaija
K
HUS:n lasten ja nuorten sairaala, neonatologian yksikkö, PL 800, 00029 HUS.
Tommiska
Viena
V
Hovi
Petteri
P
Kajantie
Eero
E
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors