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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neonatal morbidities and developmental delay in moderately preterm-born children
Jorien M Kerstjens1, Inger F Bocca-Tjeertes, Andrea F de Winter
1Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands. j.m.kerstjens@umcg.nl
Pediatrics
|July 11, 2012
Summary
Hypoglycemia in moderately preterm infants significantly increases the risk of developmental delays. Preventing low blood sugar in these children may improve their preschool development outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Moderately preterm infants (32-35 weeks' gestation) face higher risks of neonatal issues and developmental delays.
- The specific impact of neonatal morbidities on later developmental outcomes remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of neonatal morbidities in moderately preterm children on their development at preschool age.
- To identify specific neonatal conditions that contribute to developmental delays in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A community-based cohort of 832 moderately preterm children (born 2002-2003) was studied.
- Developmental outcomes were assessed at 43-49 months using the Ages and Stage Questionnaire.
- Neonatal data, including Apgar scores, asphyxia, NICU admissions, and metabolic conditions like hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia, were extracted from medical records.
Main Results:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and asphyxia were significantly associated with developmental delay.
- Tertiary NICU admission and hyperbilirubinemia showed borderline nonsignificant associations.
- In multivariate analysis, only hypoglycemia remained a significant predictor of developmental delay (OR: 2.19).
Conclusions:
- Hypoglycemia is the primary neonatal morbidity linked to increased risk of developmental delay in moderately preterm children.
- Preventive strategies targeting hypoglycemia could potentially improve developmental trajectories for these infants.
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