Assessing the immediate and long-term risk of preterm infants - the approach of care in family medicine

Abstract

Background. Prematurity requires follow-up to prevent, evaluate, and diagnose potential complications related to it. At the first visit, the family doctor should assess the short- and long-term risks of the premature newborn and establish a management plan for their followup until 2 years corrected age. Objective(s). We will highlight, through a review literature, the immediate and long-term risks that premature infants may face and propose a management plan for their care in the family medicine office. Materials and methods. The review of the specialized literature with the search words "evaluate risk of health preterm after birth in primary care" in the PubMed database over the last year resulted in the analysis of 19 original articles, which allowed the development of an updated follow-up plan for the premature infant in the family doctor's office. Results. Monitoring and assessing growth by measuring the weight, length, and head circumference of the premature infant and screening for hearing impairment, retinopathy, motor, cognitive, emotional, and language skills development are components of the management plan. The number of visits is at least 10 visits in two years, and their frequency overlaps with the check-up examinations according to corrected age. Prompt risk assessment, follow-up until the corrected age of two years of the child in the family doctor's office, along with all necessary specialized interventions, offers a chance for the premature infant's health. Conclusion(s). Prompt assessment of the neurological and developmental risk, monitoring until the child's corrected age of two years in the family doctor's office, along with the necessary specialized interventions, offers a chance for the premature baby's health, the standardized plan being more effective.