Which layer of the epidermis is underdeveloped in the VLBW infants in the initial 7 days –
First layer to develop is stratum basale and the last one is the stratum corneum.
In preterm infants stratum corneum is underdeveloped and permeable (normal stratum corneum is impermeable) and becomes similar to adult and full-term infant after 2-3 weeks, postnatal maturation.
Stratum genninativum
Stratum granulosum
Stratum lucidum
Stratum corneum