Issues on health status and rehabilitation of young children born with extremely low and very low weight

The review presents literature data on the catamnesis of children born with extremely low and very low weight, identification of the most common pathological conditions, of the incidence rate and the main causes of disability in childhood, the rationale for the need for early initiation of rehabilitation actions aimed at preventing and correction of these conditions. The article highlights difficulties in assessment of physical and neuropsychological development of deeply premature babies, related to the heterogeneity of contingent of the children being surveyed and the difference in the tests used to determine these parameters. It was noted that for a comprehensive assessment of their health they also need to determine quality of life using the developed scales. The author substantiated the need to improve the system of medical support for such children at all phases of nursing and rehabilitation process and perforce to introduce a personal approach with differentiated programs of medical examination and rehabilitation in the wide practice.