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Uncoordinated sucking patterns in preterm infants are associated with abnormal general movements
Tjitske Nieuwenhuis1, Saakje P da Costa, Ellen Bilderbeek
1Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. t.nieuwenhuis@umcg.nl
The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 30, 2012
Summary
Preterm infants with uncoordinated sucking patterns showed more abnormal fidgety movements. This suggests that abnormal sucking, swallowing, and breathing may indicate neurologic dysfunction in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental pediatrics
- Infant motor control
- Oral motor function
Background:
- Preterm infants often exhibit developmental challenges.
- Fidgety movements are early indicators of neurological development.
- Sucking patterns mature throughout infancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sucking patterns and fidgety movements in preterm infants.
- To determine if abnormal sucking is linked to impaired motor development.
Main Methods:
- Studied 44 preterm infants (<35 weeks gestational age) longitudinally.
- Assessed sucking patterns using the Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale.
- Evaluated fidgety movements at 14 weeks postterm from video recordings.
Main Results:
- Normal sucking patterns developed later in infants with poorer fidgety movement quality.
- Uncoordinated sucking patterns were significantly associated with abnormal fidgety movements (OR 7.5).
- The timing of normal sucking development correlated with fidgety movement quality.
Conclusions:
- Sucking pattern development is linked to fidgety movement quality in preterm infants.
- Uncoordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing may signal neurological dysfunction.
- Early identification of abnormal sucking patterns could aid in detecting neurological issues.
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