ELBW

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Mortality rates have decreased dramatically over the past two decades among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. A large volume of literature focused on outcomes of these infants is available, but a clear definition of the prevalence of handicapping conditions during infancy or childhood has yet to be published. Currently, published studies offer conflicting results and conclusions. Accurate information concerning outcome for ELBW infants is essential when cost versus benefit discussions arise because of the tremendous resources utilized in the care of the ELBW infant. Specifically, study objectives are: - to track and successfully follow at 18 months of age more than 80% of babies entered into the generic database [GDB] of the Neonatal Research Network with birth weights 401-1,500 grams born after January 1, 1993, - to characterize development of the study population by standardized methods in the areas of motor skills, cognitive skills, language, and behavior, - to determine the 18-22 month (corrected age) mortality and the prevalence of specific medical morbidities in ELBW, - to characterize growth outcome and its relationship to neurodevelopmental outcome in this population at 18 months, - to identify the socio-economic status of families in this population and its relationship to developmental outcome, - to identify significant family stress in this population and its relationship to family integrity as well as compliance with medical and developmental care, - to assess the utilization of special support services and early intervention programs by this population. Linking information from the NICHD Neonatal Research Network (GDB) to a follow-up assessment at 18 months provides a unique opportunity to address health policy debates as well as evaluate the impact of care practices.