Submit manuscript...
eISSN: 2373-6372

Gastroenterology & Hepatology: Open Access

Proceeding Volume 4 Issue 3

A Model of Neurodevelopmental Risk and Protection for Preterm Infants

Sirin Mneimneh, Aziz Koleilat

Paediatric department, Makassed University General hospital, Lebanon

Correspondence: Aziz Koleilat, Paediatric department, gastroenterology, asthma, Makassed University General hospital, Beirut, Lebanon

Received: March 05, 2015 | Published: March 23, 2016

Citation: Koleilat A, Mneimneh S (2016) A Model of Neurodevelopmental Risk and Protection for Preterm Infants. Gastroenterol Hepatol Open Access 4(3): 00102. DOI: 10.15406/ghoa.2016.04.00102

Download PDF

Resume

Neurobehavioral disabilities such as cerebral palsy and neurosensory impairment occur in approximately 5 to 15% of preterm infants [1]. About 50 to 70% of preterm infants weighing less than 1500g develop dysfunction at a later stage. These include cognitive, social and behavioral disorders that can continue till adulthood, making preterm birth a major public health concern [2].

Therefore, the risk of neurobehavioral disorders is high in preterm infants. One of the reasons for the elevated risk is the alteration in the structural differentiation of the central nervous system which occurs between 23 and 32 gestational weeks [3]. Other causes that might affect neurobehavioral disorders include environmental factors such as NICU environment and care giving experience [4].

Therefore, the introduction of a neurodevelpomental risk and protection model might help in identifying and solving the issues that contribute to the development of neurobehavioral dysfunctions. The model focuses on neuroprotection during the neonatal period to positively influence long term developmental outcomes for preterm infants. Understanding the association between NICU interventions and long term outcomes is essential to guide care giving practices in the NICU [1].

References

  1. Pickler RH, McGrath JM, Reyna MB, McCain N, Lewis MM, et al. (2010) A model of neurodevelopmental risk and protection for preterm infants. The Journal of perinatal & neonatal nursing 24(4): 356-365.
  2. Aylward GP (2002) Cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes: more than IQ scores. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev 8(4):234-240.
  3. Perry BD, Pollard RA, Blakley TL, Baker WL, Vigilante D (1995) Childhood trauma, the neurobiology of adaptation, and use-dependent development of the brain: how state become traits. Infant Ment Health J 6(4): 271-291.
  4. Als H, Duffy FH, McAnulty GB, Rivkin MJ, Vajapeyam S, et al. Early experience alters brain function and structure. Pediatrics 113(4): 846-857.
Creative Commons Attribution License

©2016 Koleilat, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.