The neonatal intensive care unit: organization of care of the low-birthweight infant

Abstract

A large and growing body of evidence based in large part on randomized clinical trials of therapy has established the efficacy of neonatal intensive care. The efficacy of neonatal intensive care is "leveraged" by highly efficient regional programs for ascertainment and referral of patients at risk. Thus the impact of neonatal ICUs is keenly felt in the community. The population incidence of ROP and its sequelae may be expected to rise as infants at highest risk--those at the border of viability--survive in increasing numbers.