Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Children at School Age and Beyond

Despite improved survival of preterm infants, there has not been an equivalent improvement in long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcome rates and severity are inversely related to the degree of prematurity, but only 1.6% are born very preterm and the motor, cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric disabilities in the large moderate and late preterm population have a greater impact. The disability-free preterm adult has a lower educational achievement and income but similar health-related quality of life to term controls. Reducing the long-term neurodevelopmental impact of prematurity is the next frontier of neonatal care.