ABSTRACT
In recent years there has been a steady improvement in survival of low birthweight infants alongside a general decrease in perinatal mortality. 1 Much of this improvement can be attributed to greater understanding of the physiological needs of pre-term infants and better management of labour but, especially for the very low birthweight infant, much is due to the advent of successful intensive care techniques, particularly mechanical ventilation in the treatment of severe respiratory distress. Concern has been voiced that by keeping such babies, many of whom would otherwise undoubtedly have died, alive, there could be an increase in the number of handicapped survivors. There has thus been considerable interest in following these infants' progress into childhood and this chapter will review their long-term outcome. A child has been described as handicapped if he has a disability of body, intellect or personality proving to be a disadvantage in his environment.2 Outcome will therefore be considered under three main headings: neurological and intellectual outcome, emotional and behavioural problems, and physical health and growth.
