"When babies are in the NICU, we cannot determine who may grow up to be a healthy child and who may have problems," explains Dr. Brenda Hussey-Gardner, a developmental specialist at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children. "Outcomes vary and unfortunately, we are unable to predict them."
While some preemies may need physical therapy, speech therapy and other specialized care as they grow up, others may not need any intervention. To find out how many children do need additional care, Hussey-Garnder and her colleagues took part in retrospective study of the University of Maryland Medical System's NICU Follow-Up Clinic and the Baltimore Infants & Toddlers Program.
The results were just recently released.
Using data from 1997, 1998 and 1999, 154 children born before 37 weeks in Baltimore City were followed. On average, the children were born at 28 weeks and weighed 1076 grams. Of these children, 69 percent needed some services while under the age of 3.
At 3, 47 percent still needed services. Physical therapy and speech therapy were used by almost half of all the children under the age of 3. That number dropped significantly when the children reached 3.
"This data suggests that early intervention is best," says Hussey-Garnder. "It also suggests that pediatricians need to carefully monitor the development of infants born prematurely."
If you had a premature baby and would like to schedule an appointment at the University of Maryland NICU Follow-Up Program for children under 3, please call (410) 328-6749.
If you have questions, you may contact (410) 328-8782. Also, you may contact the Maryland Infants & Toddlers Program (children under 3) or Child Find (children over 3) at (800) 535-0182.
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