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Developmental problems in very prematurely born children.
Hanne Agerholm1, Steen Rosthøj, Finn Ebbesen
1Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Department, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg Hospital. haa@rn.dk
Danish Medical Bulletin
|June 10, 2011
Summary
Over half of very premature infants (<32 weeks gestation) experience developmental issues by age five. Neonatal risk factors like male gender and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are linked to poorer outcomes, highlighting the need for continued follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental pediatrics
- Perinatal epidemiology
Background:
- Premature birth (<32 weeks gestation) poses significant risks for long-term developmental outcomes.
- Routine follow-up assessments are crucial for identifying and managing developmental challenges in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the developmental status at five years of age in a regional cohort of very premature infants.
- To identify neonatal risk factors associated with adverse developmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 237 infants born between 24 and 31 weeks gestation (1996-2000) was assessed at age five.
- Developmental outcomes were evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children and Miller Assessment for Preschoolers.
- Univariate analysis identified risk factors associated with developmental problems, with results presented with 95% confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- 14% of infants died; 86% of survivors were assessed at five years.
- 40% had normal development, 41% required observation for deficiencies, and 19% had diagnosed deficiencies.
- Factors associated with unfavorable outcomes included male gender, lower social group, gestational age <28 weeks, sepsis, persistent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and abnormal cerebral ultrasound.
Conclusions:
- More than half of very prematurely born children exhibited developmental problems by age five.
- The number of children needing observation for developmental deficiencies was twice that of children with diagnosed deficiencies.
- Ongoing follow-up is essential to monitor developmental trajectories and assess the impact of evolving neonatal practices.
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