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Impact of neonatal intensive care on late preterm infants: developmental outcomes at 3 years

Jennifer E McGowan1, Fiona A Alderdice, Jacqueline Doran

  • 1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK. jmcgowan10@qub.ac.uk

Pediatrics
|October 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm infants (LPIs) who received intensive care (IC) showed no significant differences in cognitive, motor, or language development at age 3. These findings offer reassurance for parents and clinicians regarding the long-term outcomes for LPIs.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Perinatal Health

Background:

  • Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks' gestation) represent a significant portion of preterm births and neonatal admissions.
  • The developmental trajectory of late preterm infants (LPIs) following neonatal intensive or high-dependency care (IC) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of neonatal intensive care (IC) on the developmental outcomes of late preterm infants (LPIs) at 3 years of age.
  • To compare cognitive, motor, language skills, and growth in LPIs with and without a history of IC.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study of 225 late preterm infants born in Northern Ireland in 2006.
  • Comparison of developmental outcomes (cognitive, motor, language) using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (3rd Ed.) and growth parameters (height, weight) between LPIs who received IC and those who did not.

Main Results:

  • Infants receiving IC had higher risk factors including earlier gestation (34 weeks), lower birth weight, and lower Apgar scores.
  • At 3 years, no significant differences were observed in cognitive, motor, or language skills between LPIs who received IC and the control group.
  • Growth measurements also showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • Late preterm infants (LPIs) who received neonatal intensive care (IC) demonstrated comparable developmental and growth outcomes at 3 years of age, despite increased perinatal risks.
  • The findings provide reassuring data for parents and clinicians regarding the long-term development of LPIs, even after intensive care.
  • The study highlights the lack of routine follow-up for LPIs post-IC, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and support.
Abstract

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