NEW VICS COHORT

All babies born in Victoria in 2005 weighing less than one kilogram or born before 28 weeks gestation are to be special members of the VICS programme. These children are matched with another child of the same sex who is born at full term, these are the “control” subjects, they will participate in the study in the same way as the Premmies.

This internationally recognised study has been following the progress of the tiniest and most premature babies born in Victoria since the late 1970’s. Over time the survival rate for these little babies has improved remarkably but the rate of disabilities has not changed as much as we would like. We are constantly trying to find ways to improve their care so that these children can have the same healthy life as children who are born at the right time.

We will ask parents to bring their child back to the hospital of birth at two years of age where they will see a Developmental Paediatrician and a child Psychologist who will review the child’s growth, health and general development. There is ample time allowed to discuss the child’s development and answer any questions parents may have, there is no charge to families participating in this research.

The next assessment would be planned for five years of age when the children are getting ready to head off to school for the first time. This is a particularly valuable for parents to have their child seen to assess their readiness for the big move to formal schooling.

We look forward to observing the children’s health and progress over many years to come.

Years of birth and ages of assessments of Victorian cohorts
Non-italicised numbers indicate ages at which assessments have been completed. Italicised numbers indicate years and ages for future studies