Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of timing of brain insults causing abnormal outcome in preterm infants.
Methods: One hundred and thirty-one preterm infants were examined. The timing of brain insult was estimated from EEG or clinical findings. Development was assessed until a corrected age of 48 months.
Results: 39% and 4% of infants, respectively, born before and after the 28-week time point subsequently died (P < 0.05). Abnormal development was observed in 16% of the first group and 13% of the second (N.S.). None of those born before 28 weeks showed intrauterine injuries while nine of the infants which were born after this time showed intrauterine injuries (P < 0.05). Fetal distress was noted in all infants suffering neonatal death born after 28 weeks.
Conclusion: Intrauterine brain insult was concluded to be the cause of neonatal death or abnormal development in many infants born after 28 weeks.