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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' early developmental status is associated with later developmental outcome

Cristina Lundqvist-Persson1, Gerd Lau, Per Nordin

  • 1Skaraborg Institute for Research and Development, Skövde, Sweden. cristina.lundqvist-p@skaraborg-institute.se

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|August 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants show early developmental delays in self-regulation and motor skills. These early deviations are significant risk factors for later optimal functioning in children.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Preterm infants often experience developmental challenges.
  • Early identification of predictors for later development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess preterm infant development from 40 weeks gestational age to 18 months corrected age.
  • To identify early predictors of later developmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 51 preterm infants.
  • Assessments included Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, self-regulation scale, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, general movements, and maternal attachment style.
  • Follow-up assessments conducted from term age to 18 months corrected age.

Main Results:

  • Preterm infants exhibited lower maturity and self-regulation compared to full-term infants at term and 1-month corrected age.
  • A higher percentage of preterm infants showed abnormal motor quality at 3 months corrected age.
  • Delayed mental, motor, and behavioral development in preterm infants was linked to self-regulation, motor quality, and maternal attachment; maternal education was a key factor.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants display early deviations in self-regulation, motor quality, and overall development.
  • These early deviations serve as risk factors for suboptimal later functioning.
Abstract

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