Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Advances in neonatology now enable increasing numbers of very low birth weight neonates (<1500 g) to survive into early adulthood and beyond. What are the implications for their long-term care? ⋯ A risk profile with both somatic and psychosocial aspects can be discerned for adults who were born prematurely, even if some of these risks are present in low absolute numbers. As the ability to compensate for latent deficits declines with age, such adults may suffer from "premature aging as the late price of premature birth." A holistic approach to care with personalized prevention strategies- which for most of them was discontinued at discharge from pediatric followup- therefore seems appropriate in adulthood as well.