Premature birth and its later effects: Towards preventive intervention.

Premature birth is associated with a substantially increased incidence of cognitive-developmental disorders as well as elevated rates of failure-to-thrive syndrome, child abuse, and sudden infant death syndrome. The research supportive of these relationships is reviewed and summarized. This data base strongly suggests that premature birth serves as an early "red flag" which signals risk for later dysfunction. Two types of preventive intervention are discussed: a) prevention of the sequelae of premature birth and b) prevention of premature birth itself. Intervention programs of both types which have been conducted are reviewed. The results of these programs, together with the data base on prematurity, are used as the basis for a set of parameters to guide future intervention efforts.