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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Preterm infants of educated mothers have better outcome

Lan-Wan Wang1, Shan-Tair Wang, Chao-Ching Huang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Chi Mei Medical Center; Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. lanwan@ms67.url.com.tw

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Very-low-birthweight infants show diverse developmental paths. Neurological status and maternal education significantly predict cognitive trajectories, highlighting risks for developmental decline.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants face risks for developmental challenges.
  • Understanding developmental trajectories is crucial for early intervention.
  • Predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBW infants require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define developmental trajectories in very-low-birthweight infants up to 2 years corrected age.
  • To identify key predictors influencing these diverse developmental pathways.
  • To inform targeted interventions for at-risk VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 887 very-low-birthweight infants.
  • Follow-up assessments at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months corrected age.
  • Utilized neurological assessments and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II for outcome measures.

Main Results:

  • Identified five distinct cognitive developmental trajectories (average-stable, average-decline, borderline delay-catch-up, borderline delay-decline, significant delay-stable).
  • Six-month neurological status and maternal education emerged as significant predictors (p < 0.01).
  • Infants with neurological abnormalities or low maternal education showed increased odds of disadvantageous trajectories (ORs 1.79-46.4).

Conclusions:

  • Very-low-birthweight infants with neurological abnormalities and/or low maternal education are at high risk for developmental decline.
  • Early identification of these risk factors is critical.
  • Timely and targeted early intervention may significantly benefit at-risk VLBW infants.
Abstract

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