Use of the Laboratory in Prediction of Outcome in the High-Risk Newborn (Nacb Symposium‪)‬

The concept that the laboratory plays a role in outcome assessment of the high-risk newborn is a new one. This paper reviews the prediction of survival and neurodevelopmental status in the newborn period. Development is defined as the process of growth and differentiation [1]. Neurodevelopment refers more specifically to the nervous system, and in this paper refers to the acquisition of developmental milestones (e.g., walking, talking, reading, writing). Neurodevelopmental status reflects not only the functional adequacy of the maturing brain, but also other factors such as the senses, the motor system, and the environment (e.g., stimulation provided by parents). The term "outcome" indicates the neurodevelopmental or functional state of a child as a result of a neonatal condition.