NEONATAL CARE OF VERY-LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT PRETERM INFANTS IN THE 1990S IN SWEDEN

Refinement of optimal neonatal intensive care for the very pre-term in fants with risk of developing neonatal complications including retinop athy of prematurity (ROP) has been under development since the late 19 80's. During the last,decade better methods for supporting the respira tion including surfactant treatment has contributed to the increased s urvival rate which today is more than 50% for infants born between 24 and 28 completed weeks of gestation. Improvement in the 'environmental engineering' in the neonatal intensive care unit is necessary to impr ove the longterm outcome regarding disabilities and handicaps includin g ROP. Clinical research in neonatology clearly shows that a high qual ity medical and nursing care is required for these infants.