Medical complications of the critically ill newborn: A review for early intervention professionals

Sophisticated technology in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) has result ed in remarkable improvements in the survival of the sickest and most prema ture newborn infants. Although fortunately the prevalence of disability amo ng NICU graduates has not increased with such advances, the total number of these infants in the community has grown as a result of the improved survi val. Many of these babies manliest complex residual health problems and are at risk for developmental difficulties. An understanding of the complicati ons of prematurity and other neonatal illnesses as well as of their treatme nts can enhance the effectiveness of early intervention services, both in d evising creative approaches aimed at promoting the optimal development of m edically vulnerable infants and in supporting their families during prolong ed periods of intense stress.