Publisher's Synopsis
Low birthweight is one of the most important areas of research for those concerned with the fetus and newborn infant. Although there have been countless short-term studies from around the world, there have been very few long-term follow-up studies. In this book, Professor Dunn and his colleagues rectify the situation. The scope of children's attainments considered and the range of tests administered, are unusually wide. Neurological examination has been very detailed. Ophthalmic, auditory and vestibular disorders have rarely been sought so thoroughly. All the results have been carefully analyzed, and a large literature has been carefully reviewed. Since the introduction of neonatal intensive care, there has been a steady increase in survival of low-birthweight infants. This study emphasizes that expert perinatal care is not enough to minimize adverse sequelae; just as important are surveillance for neurodevelopmental delay and school learning difficulties, early help for any remediable defects, and an improvement in the children's environment.
