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Study of a group of extremely preterm infants (25-27 weeks): how do they function at 1 year of age?

J F Samsom1, L de Groot

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. J.Samsom@azvu.nl

Journal of Child Neurology
|December 6, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Extremely preterm infants often show nonoptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months. Poor postural control significantly impacts motor skills and cognitive function, suggesting myogenic and neurogenic deviations.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Extremely preterm infants (gestational age 25-27 weeks) face significant neurodevelopmental challenges.
  • Assessing functional outcomes in this population is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the functional neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants at 12 months corrected age.
  • To identify factors influencing optimal, nonoptimal, and asymmetric development.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 49 extremely preterm infants underwent comprehensive neurologic assessment at 12 months corrected age.
  • Evaluations included pediatric follow-up, neurologic assessment, and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.
  • Emphasis was placed on postural control, spontaneous motility, hand function, and infantile reactions, with attention to symmetric development.

Main Results:

  • 39% of infants had optimal outcomes, while 61% had nonoptimal outcomes.
  • Poor postural control significantly correlated with impaired motility, persistent infantile reactions, and hand function.
  • Abnormal brain ultrasonograms were linked to asymmetric infantile reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Postural control is a critical determinant of neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm infants.
  • Myogenic and neurogenic deviations likely contribute to poor postural control and subsequent functional deficits.
  • Early identification and intervention focusing on postural control may improve long-term outcomes for preterm infants.

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