RESUMEN
Twenty-two (22) NICU graduates, born before 38 weeks age of gestation who were born between January 1989 to September 1992 at the Perinatal Center after maternal-transport due to various maternal risk factors arising during pregnancy or neonatal risk actors were included in the study. These private patients had uniform maternal and neonatal care as provided by the same perinatal obstetrician and neonatal intensivist Fourteen (14) boys (64%) and eight (8) girls (36%) with gestational ages (Ballards) ranging from 26 weeks to 38 weeks (32.5 + 5.5) and birth weights 820 grams to 2300 grams (1560 + 740) were studied. 53% of these babies were small for gestational age with median apgar score for 1st minute 6 (3-9) and at 5th minute 8.5 (7-10) Using the Lubchenco Percentile graphs for specific gestational age, 16 out of 22 (22 (73%) belong to zone D (second to worse zone), 2 out of 22 (18.2%) belong to zone c (better prognosis zone D). Most of our patients in zone D were heavier (1500-2000 grams) (8/16 or 50%) and more mature (32-36 weeks). Prematurity encountered over 90% of all patiens had the longest (28 days) hospital stay. Inspite of the multiple problems related to perinatal compromise, prematurity, small for date, invasive therapy and monitoring which they underwent. There were spread from severe chronic medical debilitation except one who developed bilateral corneal opacity and subsequent developmental abnormality. Gross motor, cognitive fine motor, language and personal social were appropriate in 86.95% of cases. More speech delays were reported than other aspects of development Some patients showed hyperactivity, strong personality and temperamental changes like hard-headedness and irritability. A few had minor sleeping and behavioral dependency and attention-getting attitudes. Less patients have adaptive than behavior and developmental habits. Compared to the data of Hush and McCormick in 1980-1981, our data showed less incidence of rehospitalization but similar increasing incidence with decreasing birth weights were noted.