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Predicting neurological disorders in infants with extremely low birth weight using the movement assessment of infants
T Salokorpi1, I Rajantie, I Kivikko
1The Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Central Hospital (T.S., I.R., I.K., R.H.), Helsinki and The Jorvi Hospital (J.R.), Espoo, Finland.
Insights
The Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) effectively predicts cerebral palsy (CP) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This tool shows high specificity for early detection of neurological disorders in high-risk newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
- Movement science
Background:
- Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants face increased risks for neurological disorders.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in ELBW infants.
- The Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) is a tool used to assess neurodevelopmental status in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive accuracy of the Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) for neurological disorders in ELBW infants.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the MAI in identifying cerebral palsy (CP) and minor neurological disorders (MND).
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three ELBW infants were assessed using the MAI at four months corrected age.
- Follow-up neurological examinations were conducted at 12 and 24 months corrected age.
- Neuropsychological assessments utilized the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at two years corrected age.
Main Results:
- The MAI demonstrated high specificity (91%) and positive predictive value (78%) for predicting cerebral palsy (CP).
- For minor neurological disorders (MND), the MAI showed lower sensitivity (44%) and positive predictive value (50%).
- The MAI assessment at four months corrected age is a valuable tool for identifying potential neurological issues in ELBW infants.
Conclusions:
- The Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) is highly specific for predicting cerebral palsy in extremely low birth weight infants.
- The MAI can aid in the early identification of neurological impairments, facilitating timely interventions.
- Further research may explore refining the MAI's predictive capabilities for a broader range of neurological conditions.
Purpose:
The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive value of the Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) in early detection of neurological disorders in infants with extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g).
Method:
Thirty-three infants were examined and predictions regarding neurologic status were made at the corrected age of four months using the MAI. Follow-up examinations took place at the corrected age of 12 and 24 months by a pediatric neurologist and a physiotherapist. A neuropsychological assessment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development was completed at the corrected age of two years.
Results:
For predicting cerebral palsy (CP), the sensitivity was 64%; specificity 91%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 78% and 84%, respectively. For minor neurological disorders (MND), the value of sensitivity was 44%, specificity 71%, the positive predictive value was 50%, and the negative predictive value was 67%.
Conclusion:
The MAI assessment administered at the corrected age of four months is highly specific in predicting CP in the infants with ELBW.
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