This thesis describes the results of the Leiden Follow-Up Project on Prematurity (LFUPP): a prospective study in three health regions in the Netherlands, which included all live born infants with... Show moreThis thesis describes the results of the Leiden Follow-Up Project on Prematurity (LFUPP): a prospective study in three health regions in the Netherlands, which included all live born infants with gestational age (GA) <32 weeks, born in 1996/1997. Mortality, neonatal morbidity and the neurological examination as well as mental and psychomotor development according to the BSID I are described until the corrected age of 2 years. Special attention is paid to the infants with GA <27 weeks and the ethics of maintaining these extremely preterm infants. Growth (length, weight and head circumference) until 2 years of age is compared with the Dutch reference group. The influence of preterm growth restraint is compared with the influence of intrauterine growth restriction. The development and respiratory status at 2 years of age in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia are described. Finally, a comparison was made between the outcome of 2 cohorts, POPS (1983) and LFUPP (1996/1997) at time of hospital discharge and at 2 years of age. Show less
This thesis explores the effects of a basic form of developmental care (the use of incubator covers and nests) and the more extended Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program... Show moreThis thesis explores the effects of a basic form of developmental care (the use of incubator covers and nests) and the more extended Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) on health related quality of life and behavior of very preterm infants. The effects on parents__ stress and their experiences with developmental care are also explored. This thesis furthermore evaluates the attitudes and experiences with the NIDCAP program of the personnel at a Dutch neonatal intensive care unit. Show less
