Care of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduate after Discharge

Premature and critically ill term infants are often discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with ongoing medical problems, including respiratory problems; growth, nutrition and feeding problems; and neurologic injury. At discharge, they may also be dependent on technology such as supplemental oxygen, tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, feeding tube, and monitors. Primary care physicians must have special knowledge and understanding of the medical complications of NICU graduates to coordinate post-discharge care. We examine the most common post-discharge medical problems in premature and critically ill term infants and inform the primary care provider about expected outcomes and possible new problems.