Longitudinal medical needs for periviable NICU survivors

Objective: To evaluate the technologies required, medications needed, and early intervention services utilized from discharge to 12 months post-discharge for periviable infants (22 0/7 to 24 6/7 weeks gestational age) followed in a comprehensive NICU follow-up clinic.

Study design: Information regarding medication use, technology requirement, and early intervention services was collected prospectively at one, six, and twelve months after discharge. Neurodevelopmental assessment was completed at 12 months corrected age.

Result: 69 periviable infants were actively treated and survived to discharge during the study period. 54 infants were enrolled and followed in the comprehensive NICU follow-up clinic. Use of technology and prescribed medications decreased with a 46% reduction of infants requiring ≥1 technology device (74.1% vs. 40.4%, p < 0.01) and 64% reduction in infants requiring ≥1 medication (88.9% vs 31.9%, p < 0.01) 12 months post discharge. There was an increase in early intervention services with 83% of infants receiving services by 12 months post discharge.

Conclusion: Technology and medication requirements were high at discharge but notably decreased in the first year after discharge concurrent with increased enrollment in early interventional services. Many periviable infants survive without severe short-term developmental delays.