Prematurity and Vision
Friday 3 March 2006
Gopi Menon Neonatal Unit, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
How healthy are children who were born prematurely?
Born at just under 24 weeks, the legal abortion limit, Layla is a miracle
baby.
She has no disabilities and an above average IQ.
Nine-year-old Bright has severe cerebral palsy.
He cannot walk or talk and requires full time care from his parents.
Picture of baby on intensive care
Brain injury
Problems
- Cerebral palsy
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Clumsiness and learning difficulties
- Chronic lung, bowel and kidney problems
- Short stature
- Scarring
- Psychosocial effects
Disability in survivors
Severe Disability
| 1. Malformation with impairment | 2 |
| 2. Neuromotor: Unable to control head, sit, walk, use hands to feed | 10 |
| 3. Seizures not controlled | 0 |
| 4. Hearing impairment, severe | 3 |
| 5. Communication: poor comprehension, poor vocalisation | 2 |
| 6. Vision: blind/sensitive to light | 0 |
| 7. Other major health problem | 3 |
| 2+5 | 1 |
| 2+7 | 1 |