[Long-term fate of very-low-birth-weight children].

75 neonates with birth weights less than or equal to 1,250 g were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. 34 were followed up for about 4 years. 44% (15) of the surviving children are normal; 35% (12) present with minor sequellae compatible with normal familial, social and school life; 14.7% (5) presents with moderate sequellae; 6% (2) present with major sequellae. None presents with hydrocephalus, bedridden encephalopathy, deafness or blindness. Among these 34 children, 12 have growth retardation. All children with sequellae presented with important neurologic involvement during the neonatal period. No silent period was observed during follow-up. An early screening for the disorders is possible. The neonatal risks, often unappreciated or underestimated are, in most cases, foreseeable when taking into account the mother's history and course of pregnancy. Thanks to improvement of in utero screening techniques, proper cooperation between obstetricians and pediatricians should allow for selecting a better management for all very low birth weight prematures.