The impact of perinatal and neonatal events on the early behavior of the extremely premature human.

Observations were performed on 45 very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns at 7 and 21 days of life, using a Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale specifically modified for the extremely premature infant. Findings were analyzed using multiple and stepwise regression techniques to determine the influence of intrapartum and neonatal factors which might influence neurobehavior . Perinatal asphyxial descriptors accounted for significant variance on day 7 behavior; however, their impact was muted for day 21. At this time, jaundice and postnatal nutrition revealed a prominent and independent behavioral influence on the VLBW survivor.