In 100 records collected from a neonatal intensive care unit, 19 cases of insufficient prevention were noted. In some of them, several tactical faults affected the same infant. In 9 cases pre- or perinatal surveillance was lacking; there were 9 cases of inappropriate transfer and 11 cases of iatrogenic complications. Three mothers refused all examinations. In all other cases, both medical and paramedical staffs did not utilize the means at their disposal to satisfaction. We conclude that for a better effective use of intensive care it seems rational to convince the perinatology actors to exploit under good conditions the existing possibilities of prevention rather than demanding a reinforcement of the present statutory structures.