title: Outcomes of preterm infants: morbidity replaces mortality.
abstract: Over the last 50 years in the United States a rising preterm birth rate, a progressive decrease in preterm mortality, and a lowering of the limit of viability have made preterm birth a significant public health problem. Neuromaturation, the functional development of the central nervous system (CNS), is a dynamic process that promotes and shapes CNS structural development. This article reviews preterm outcomes, recognizing that multiple factors influence neuromaturation and lead to a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities, dysfunctions, and altered CNS processing. Ways to protect preterm infants and support their growth and development in and beyond intensive care are examined.
authors: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. mallen2@jhmi.edu
authors: Marilee C
authors: MC
authors: Allen
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Cristofalo
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality / Q000639:trends; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology