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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[The effectiveness of early intervention for very-low-birth-weight infants]
Yushiro Yamashita1, Toyojiro Matsuishi
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume.
Insights
Early intervention (EI) programs show positive effects on child IQ and development for high-risk infants. Further research and government support are crucial for optimizing EI services for very-low-birth-weight infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Early intervention (EI) is critical for high-risk infants.
- Previous studies demonstrate positive outcomes for EI programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept and history of EI.
- To summarize EI trial results for high-risk and very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.
- To identify challenges and advocate for improved EI in Japan.
Main Methods:
- Review of EI concept and history.
- Summarization of three US-based randomized controlled trials (Abecedarian, CARE, Infant Health Developmental Program).
- Analysis of a Japanese randomized EI trial for VLBW infants.
Main Results:
- US EI trials showed positive effects on child IQ in the first 3 years.
- Japanese EI trial for VLBW infants demonstrated developmental enhancements, including behavior, circadian rhythm, and speech.
- Current EI in Japan faces challenges: lack of government funding, unclear service guidelines, and evaluation difficulties.
Conclusions:
- EI positively impacts child development.
- Pediatric neurologists should advocate for government support of EI for VLBW infants.
- Addressing current challenges is essential for maximizing VLBW infant development.
Abstract:
We reviewed the concept and history of early intervention (EI). We summarized the results of three randomized controlled trials for high-risk young children: Abecedarian, CARE, and the Infant Health Developmental Program in the USA. All of those interventions showed positive effects on child 1Q during the first 3 years of life. A randomized EI trial for very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants at 8 institutions in Japan also showed enhancement of some aspects of development, including behavioral problems, circadian rhythm, and speech. The present problems of EI for VLBW infants in Japan include lack of financial support by the government, lack of evidence to determine the onset, intervals and duration of the service, and difficulties in objective evaluation of its short/long term efficacy. To enhance the maximum development of VLBW infants, pediatric neurologists should advocate the importance of EI to the government.
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