Increased survival and deteriorating developmental outcome in 23 to 25 week old gestation infants, 1990–4 compared with 1984–9

Abstract

The rise in disability with improved survival was not due to cerebral palsy; rather the main contributors were blindness due to retinopathy, myopia, and squint. The causes of these disabilities seem to be linked to high CRIB scores. A system of regular and skilled retinal examination and access to facilities for retinal ablation should be in place in all neonatal units which undertake the care of such extremely preterm infants.