Coming to life ... prematurely

Every year, about 40 000 infants are prematurely born in France, amongst wh om 10 000 are very premature with a gestational age below 33 weeks. Despite thematic improvement in the prevention and the treatment of respiratory di stress syndrome, the leading cause of perinatal mortality among premature i nfants, severe prematurity remains an important issue in public health poli cies of developed countries. Indeed, severe prematurity is associated with a high risk of subsequent neuromotor impairement. Although the number of in fants who survive severe prematurity without handicap is increasing, the pr evalence of cerebral palsy in this population remains high. Recently, new p athophysiological concepts have emerged and substantial progress has been m ade in the prevention and the diagnosis of white matter damage. For infants with severe brain injury, their future qual life is an essential criterion reaching decisions regarding the continuation or dis-continuation of life prolonging treatments.