Showing papers by "Forrest C. Bennett published in 1983"

Growth and development of infants weighing less than 800 grams at birth.

Abstract: A prospective study of infants weighing less than 800 g at birth and cared for in a single neonatal intensive care unit between 1977 and 1980 was conducted. Neonatal mortality was 80%; neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed in 16 of the 18 survivors. Mean birth weight for these 16 was 730 g; mean gestational age was 26 weeks. Perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress, apnea, mechanical ventilation, and chronic pulmonary disease were commonplace. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, sepsis, or meningitis did not occur in survivors. Of the 16 infants, 13 (81%), including all three with birth weight less than 700 g, were without major CNS handicaps and were developing appropriately at 6 months to 3 years of age. Only one of the 16 had clearly subnormal mental development. None had a major visual or hearing impairment. Apgar scores at one and five minutes were significantly related to outcome; apnea, mechanical ventilation, and chronic pulmonary disease were not. These data suggest that a remarkably hopeful outcome is possible for the few survivors of extremely low birth weight.

Management of childhood "hyperactivity" by primary care physicians.

Abstract: A questionnaire assessing current clinical approach to the problem of childhood hyperactivity was mailed to 910 primary care physicians in the state of Washington. A response of 462 (50.8%) was obtained. Pediatricians assess and manage hyperactivity in a manner significantly different from that of family physicians or general practitioners. Age of physician also accounted for significant differences, although to a lesser degree than type of training. Few differences were determined by size of community. An overall high prevalence of the problem of hyperactivity was apparent. Combined use of stimulant medications, behavioral programs, and special diets was common.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation in Down's Syndrome

Abstract: The claim that large, nonspecific doses of vitamins and minerals improve the performance of mentally retarded children has recently reappeared in both the scientific literature and the public media. This hypothesis was examined in a double-blind, case-control study involving 20 home-reared children with Down9s syndrome between 5 and 13 years of age. Children were randomly assigned by matched pairs to either a vitamin/mineral group or placebo group for an 8-month study period. No significant group differences or suggestive trends were found in any tested area of development or behavior, including intelligence (IQ), school achievement, speech and language, and neuromotor function. No group differences in appearance, growth, or health were seen. No support was found for the orthomolecular hypothesis in school-aged children with Down9s syndrome.

Mortality in infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit.

Abstract: • In a three-year period, 3.8% (43) of 1,123 infants discharged from one neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) subsequently died, the vast majority before 1 year of age. Sudden infant death syndrome was responsible for 28% of the deaths, congenital heart disease for 25% of the deaths, chronic lung disease for 16%, and trauma, infections, and chromosomal disorders each accounted for 5% of the deaths. Postdischarge death rates in the three-year study period remained stable, while infant mortality in the NICU decreased from 26.5% to 16.3%. This study suggests that decreasing mortality among infants treated in NICUs is not necessarily reflected in improved postdischarge death rates and that the vast majority of deaths in these infants are currently not preventable. (Am J Dis Child1983;137:44-47)

Outcome of Complicated Pregnancies of Less Than 27 Weeks of Gestation

Abstract: In Reply.— I would certainly agree with Kilbridge and Elliot that obtaining outcome information from perinatal teams utilizing specified management approaches is the optimum. Attitudes of obstetricians and pediatricians about extremely low-birth-weight infants can influence both mortality and morbidity. Thus, the necessity for consistent cooperation and communication in the care of the extremely premature maternal-fetal unit is increasingly important both clinically and medicolegally. The surprisingly good early outcome of many extremely low-birth-weight survivors, as reported by us and others, mandates such an approach.