Pressing need to develop Follow-Up care programs for preterm infants after discharge from neonatal units in Pakistan.

Abstract

As neonatal care improves and more and more neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are developing in Pakistan, leading to more premature infants surviving. We know that these babies are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental and many health issues post discharge from NICU often presenting repeatedly to general paediatricians or general practitioners or emergency rooms of hospitals.

This paper reviews the conditions with which ex-preterm infants present to health care facilities or clinicians in practice, and suggests basic guideline for early detection and intervention for conditions like; feeding difficulties, growth failure, repeated respiratory infections, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cerebral palsy, neurocognitive and neurosensory developmental issues (Hearing, Vision) coupled with lack of support to parents and family.