INTRODUCTION:

Moderate-risk neonates (MRN) may have subtle neurodevelopmental disorders, which can be evident in the medium and long term. That is why they are considered children with neurological risk. Identifying risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders is a first step in preventing or reducing their effects.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the characteristics of a group of newborns collectively referred to as moderate-risk neonates, who at birth do not show neurodevelopmental disorders, and to investigate the etiological factors associated with this condition.

METHODS:

We carried a bibliographic search was performed in the SciELO, LILACS, Medline and RedALyC databases focused on neurological risk factors.

RESULTS:

Increased prenatal control and the reduction of preterm and cesarean delivery are important factors for optimal neurodevelopment. After delivery, newborn care in NICUs is critical, by controlling pathologies such as hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal sepsis, and respiratory distress associated with developmental abnormalities in MRN.

CONCLUSIONS:

Interventions to avoid or reduce neurological risk in MRN must be established from the beginning of pregnancy and continued during the NICU stay.