[Neurological consequences of prematurity].

Very preterm infants are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. Severe disabilities (cerebral palsy, mental retardation) occur in around 10% of cases. The most frequent impairments concern cognitive and neurobehavioral development which usually express at school age. These disorders involve behavior, executive function, attention and speech development. All of these deficiencies can compromise learning functions, social interactions and school integration. Near 40% of very preterm infants need special therapies: psychological therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy... Environmental, educative and health conditions largely influence the neurodevelopmental outcome. These infants need a special medical and social follow-up.