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