Brain growth in preterm babies.

摘要

Preterm birth is a major public-health challenge that is becoming increasingly common jn the developed world. A report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies makes clear that preterm birth (before 37 weeks' gestation) is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity and represents a financial and emotional cost to families and communities. Individuals born preterm are at increased risk of damage to the developing CNS and can have associated neurological, cognitive, and social impairment and disability, especially at early gestational ages (ie, less than 32 weeks). Lesser degrees of prematurity might also be associated with adverse outcomes, and although these individuals are less severely affected than those born before 32 weeks' gestation they are more numerous. Great strides in neonatal intensive care and strategies to delay the onset of labour have greatly improved the chances of survival for preterm babies, but morbidity, mortality, and economic, social, and emotional costs remain high.