Which layer of epidermis is underdeveloped in the VLBW infants in the initial 7 days?
Stratum germinativum.
Stratum granulosum
Stratum lucidum
Stratum corneum
Ans. is 'd' ie., stratum corneum "Stratum corneum is permeable in preterm infants and becomes similar to the adults and in infants after two to three weeks of post natal maturation" - page 109, Physical diagnosis in neonatology:
Anatomy of Skin