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Association between feeding difficulties and language delay in preterm infants using Bayley Scales of Infant

Ira Adams-Chapman1, Carla M Bann, Yvonne E Vaucher

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. iadamsc@emory.edu

The Journal of Pediatrics
|April 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Extremely premature infants with abnormal feeding patterns at 18 months adjusted age showed poorer language development. Feeding difficulties, mechanical ventilation, and neuromotor impairment are key risk factors for language delay in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

  • Extremely premature infants often experience feeding difficulties and developmental challenges.
  • Language development is a critical outcome in preterm infant neurodevelopmental assessments.
  • The Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition is a standard tool for assessing infant development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between abnormal feeding patterns and language performance in extremely premature infants.
  • To identify risk factors contributing to language delay in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1477 preterm infants (born ≤ 26 weeks gestation) was analyzed.
  • Neurodevelopmental evaluations, including Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition language subscales, were conducted at 18-22 months adjusted age.
  • Feeding behaviors, nutritional intake, and other clinical data were assessed and analyzed using regression modeling.

Main Results:

  • Abnormal feeding behaviors were present in 13% of infants at 18-22 months adjusted age.
  • Abnormal feeding patterns, mechanical ventilation duration, hearing impairment, and neuromotor impairment (Gross Motor Functional Classification System level ≥ 2) independently predicted lower composite language scores.

Conclusions:

  • Feeding difficulties in premature infants are linked to a higher likelihood of language delay at 18 months adjusted age.
  • Mechanical ventilation and neuromotor impairment are significant risk factors impacting language outcomes in extremely preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
BSID-IIIBayley Scales of Infant Development-Third EditionELBWExtremely low birth weightGMFCSGross Motor Functional Classification SystemIVHIntraventricular hemorrhageMRIMagnetic resonance imagingNDNECNICHDNRNNational Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentNecrotizing enterocolitisNeonatal Research NetworkNeurodevelopmentalPVLPeriventricular leukomalacia

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