Optimizing developmental outcomes in premature infants through a multidisciplinary approach to care
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Preterm birth remains the leading risk factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity. Infants born preterm miss critical periods of development, placing them at increased risk for a range of neurodevelopmental, motor, and sensory complications. These complex health outcomes are further compounded by biological, behavioral, and social factors, with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations disproportionally affected. As rates of preterm birth rise, and survival improves at increasingly earlier gestational ages, the demand for comprehensive and accessible care for this high-risk population continues to grow. METHODS: The Premature Outpatient Clinic at Hospital São Paulo (HSP) addresses this need through free, multidisciplinary healthcare designed to improve developmental outcomes for preterm infants. RESULTS: Through systematic assessment, coordinated follow-up, and early intervention, the clinic aids in the timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for patients across pediatric specialties. CONCLUSION: Broader implementation of this model in other regions may help and meet the global need for efficient, equitable care for this growing and vulnerable population. IMPACT: Preterm birth places infants at increased risk for complex health outcomes that require comprehensive and accessible care. Preterm infants are at elevated risk for many growth complications due to missed critical development, emphasizing the need for timely diagnosis and intervention to improve health outcomes. The Premature Outpatient Clinic addresses the need for multidisciplinary healthcare to improve developmental outcomes for preterm infants. A free outpatient clinic for preterm infants, integrating multiple specialties under one roof, can reduce healthcare barriers for socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Preterm infants face unique health outcomes; implementation specialized preterm clinics can make long-term follow-up focused and inclusive.
Source: Pediatric Research
Authors: Allan Chiaratti de Oliveira, Zoe Kang, Aubrey Alexander, Anna Luiza Pires Vieira, Arthur Santos Junior, Adriana Lima, Melina Alves da Frota, Adriana Neves de Andrade, Pablo Nepomuceno, Regina Donnamaria Morais, Stella Maria Coda Pinto Alves Campo Vieira, Emilia Afrange, Elaine Girão Sinnes, Carlos Cure, Tarik Haydar, Marcela Daza Calero, Diana Valencia, Adre J. du Plessis, David L. Wessel, Tammy Tsuchida, Elizabeth Wells, Gilbert Vezina, Mark Batshaw, Roberta L. DeBiasi, Sarah Mulkey, Tayyba Anwar, Dorothy Bulas, Sarah Schlatterer, Arthur Ko, Youssef Kousa, Karen Smith, Kelsey Christoffel, Nathan Kuppermann, Appolinaire Tiam, Elizabeth J. Leslie, Zilton Vasconcelos, Monica Ruiz, Toufic Hakim, Peter Ebasone, Anastase Dzudie Tamdja, Andrea Pardo, Jill Lebov, Fernanda J. P. Marques, Tamer Mansour, Eric Vilain, Miguel Del Campo, Denise P. Cavalcanti, Jamil Pedro de Siqueira Caldas, Allan Chiaratti de Oliveira, Ruth Guinsburg, Maria Fernanda Branco de Almeida, Ricardo Pinho, Melina Frota, Ana Lucia Goulart, William J. Britt, Ana Carolina coan, Jose F. Cordero, Marcio Leyser, Jeffrey C. Murray, Maribel Campos, Marisa M. Mussi-Pinhata, Ana Paula Andrade Hamad, Jacqueline Acosta, Deolinda M. F. Scalabrin, Youssef A. Kousa, Ana Lucia Goulart
Institutions: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Children's National, Boston University, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, George Washington University, Emory University, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Northwestern University, RTI International, Sarah Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals, University of California, Davis, University of California, Irvine, University of California San Diego, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of Puerto Rico System, Universidade de São Paulo, Yale University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,390
OpenAlex ID: W7165054508