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Effect of an early intervention programme on development of moderate and late preterm infants at 36 months: a

Nina M Kynø1, Ingrid Helen Ravn, Rolf Lindemann

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Woman & Children's Division, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway. ninkyn@ous-hf.no

Infant Behavior & Development
|October 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

An early intervention program did not significantly improve cognitive, motor, or behavioral outcomes for moderate to late preterm infants at 36 months corrected age. Further research may explore modifications or later effects of such interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Early Intervention

Background:

  • Preterm infants, particularly those born between 30.0 and 36.0 weeks gestational age, face potential developmental challenges.
  • Early intervention programs aim to mitigate long-term effects on cognitive, motor, and behavioral development.
  • The Mother-Infant Transaction Program is one such intervention designed for preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term impact of the Mother-Infant Transaction Program on preterm infants.
  • To assess cognitive, gross motor, and behavioral outcomes at 36 months corrected age.
  • To determine the efficacy of early intervention in moderate and late preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 118 preterm infants (gestational age ≥ 30.0 and <36.0 weeks).
  • Infants were assigned to either the Mother-Infant Transaction Program intervention group (n=61) or a control group (n=57).
  • Cognitive, motor, and behavioral assessments were conducted at 36 months corrected age using standardized tools (e.g., Mullen Scale of Early Learning, Ages & Stages Questionnaire).

Main Results:

  • The early intervention program demonstrated no significant effect on cognitive, motor, or behavioral development at 36 months corrected age.
  • Outcomes were assessed in a cohort of mainly moderate and late preterm infants.
  • Specific developmental domains evaluated included cognitive abilities, gross motor skills, and social-emotional/behavioral functioning.

Conclusions:

  • The Mother-Infant Transaction Program, as implemented, did not yield significant long-term benefits for moderate and late preterm infants at 36 months corrected age.
  • Potential explanations include the specific population studied (moderate/late preterm), the need for intervention modification, or the possibility of delayed effects.
  • Improved standard care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units may also contribute to developmental support, potentially masking intervention effects.
Abstract

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