Abstract

Is a premature infant ever an “ex” or “former” preemie? I say, no. Moreover, I feel strongly it is time to stop referring to premature infants in this manner. In 1995, Badgwell affirmed the following: “remember that the premature infant is defined as being less than 37 weeks gestational age; therefore, an “ex-preemie” by definition has now reached greater than 37 weeks conceptual age” [1]. This type of designation may have made is easier for the medical profession to determine when a neonate was closer to term, thus popularizing its use. However, the terminology has morphed in use and is no longer helpful in recognizing the life changing events that may impact the life course of premature infants.

Abbreviations: PVL: Periventricular Leukomalacia; ROP: Retinopathy of Prematurity; BPD: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; NEC: Necrotizing Enterocolitis; GA: Gestational Age; ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; CNS: Central Nervous System