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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
A neurobehavioral intervention and assessment program in very low birth weight infants: outcome at 24 months
Karen Koldewijn1, Aleid van Wassenaer, Marie-Jeanne Wolf
1Department of Rehabilitation, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
The Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program (IBAIP) demonstrated sustained motor improvements in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants up to 24 months corrected age. This intervention supports self-regulation and parent-infant interaction.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Developmental pediatrics
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face developmental and behavioral challenges.
- Early intervention programs are crucial for improving outcomes in VLBW infants.
- The Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program (IBAIP) aims to support VLBW infants' development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of the IBAIP on development and behavior in VLBW infants at 24-month corrected age.
- To determine if the IBAIP leads to sustained improvements beyond 6-month corrected age.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving VLBW infants.
- Intervention group received IBAIP focusing on self-regulation and parent-infant interaction until 6-month corrected age.
- Control group received regular care; development assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) and Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) at 24 months.
Main Results:
- Intervention infants showed a significant improvement of 6.4 points on the Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) at 24 months corrected age.
- No significant differences were observed between groups for Mental Developmental Index (MDI), BSID-II Behavioral Rating Scale, or CBCL.
- Subgroup analyses indicated improved motor and mental outcomes in intervention infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and combined risks.
Conclusions:
- The IBAIP provides sustained motor benefits for VLBW infants up to 2-year corrected age.
- The intervention's positive effects on motor development are maintained long-term.
- Further research may explore specific subgroups benefiting most from the IBAIP.
Objective:
To determine whether the Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program (IBAIP) improves development and behavior in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at 24-month corrected age.
Study Design:
In a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial 86 infants received postdischarge intervention until 6-month corrected age. The intervention consisted of supporting infants' self-regulation and development, and facilitating sensitive parent-infant interactions; 90 control infants received regular care. At 6 months, positive intervention effects were found. At 24 months, development and behavior were evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) and the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL).
Results:
Eighty-three intervention and 78 control infants were available for follow-up. After adjustment for differences in perinatal characteristics, an intervention effect of 6.4 points (+/- standard error, 2.4) on the Psychomotor Developmental Index favored the intervention infants. Groups did not differ on the Mental Developmental Index, the Behavioral Rating Scale of the BSID-II, or on the CBCL. Subgroup analyses revealed improved motor as well as improved mental outcomes in intervention infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and with combined biological and social risk factors.
Conclusions:
The IBAIP shows sustained motor improvement in VLBW infants until 2-year corrected age.
