Long-term Family Outcomes for Children With Very Low Birth Weights

Abstract

Families of children with birth weights less than 750 g experience more long-term adversity than families of full-term children. Family sequelae are also present for children with very low birth weight at high neonatal medical risk. Ongoing child health and behavior problems may be the major source of these sequelae, and sociodemographic status is an important consideration in identifying family adversity. Although many families appear unaffected, results support the need to monitor family outcomes and develop interventions for both the child and family.

Biopsychosocial risks of parental care for high-risk neonates: implications for evidence-based parental counseling

“…[25][26][27] Rates of parental distress, family stress and adverse family outcomes were greater among parents of infants born at <750 g than the comparison group, but no difference was found in psychiatric symptoms during the preteen and teen years. 26 Lower socioeconomic status and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes had the greatest impact.…”

“…Among the themes that emerged were the strain that developed between spouses, the disruption in family life and the sense of isolation from society. [25][26][27]29 Not all of the results were negative. Many couples felt their relationship was strengthened by the mutual struggle, whereas the effect on the divorce rate is unclear.…”

“…26 Lower socioeconomic status and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes had the greatest impact. [25][26][27] A study by Montagnino and Mauricio 28 of primary caregivers of children with both gastrostomy and tracheostomy found that the caregivers (all mothers) reported high rates of anxiety and personal strain. Similarly, the Ontario group found that caregivers reported higher rates of emotional problems when compared with the general population.…”

A History of Neonatal Medicine—Past Accomplishments, Lessons Learned, and Future Challenges: Part II—The 1990s, the New Millennium, Future Challenges

“…Taylor found lower perceptions of parenting competence, an increased rate of child attachment disorders, a general negative impact of the child's health on the family, and higher rates of both child-related family stress and adverse family outcomes in comparison to a control group. 32 These findings suggest that family sequelae persist into the school-age years. The degree of family impact was found to correlate with the severity of neonatal medical risks and complications.…”

Neonatology fellowship training in research pertaining to development and follow-up

“…30 Additional measures of perinatal outcomes include the quality of life of the survivors 31 and the impact on their family. 32 In addition to examining the effects of sociodemographic and perinatal variables on outcomes, 33 new neuroradiologic techniques currently allow for the identification of specific areas of brain injury and for examination of their effects on neuropsychologic and behavioral functioning. 34 In addition, metabolic and cardiovascular function is also being investigated based on epidemiologic studies which suggest that preterm birth and/or poor perinatal growth may predispose to type 2 diabetes and hypertension in later life.…”