CDC Kerala 2: Developmental intervention package for babies <1,800 g--outcome at 6 mo using DASII
M K C Nair1, R M Sunitha, M L Leena
1Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, 695011, Kerala, India, cdcmkc@gmail.com.
Insights
This study highlights the effectiveness of a monthly developmental intervention package for low birth weight babies. Early stimulation significantly improved motor skills and head control in infants under 1,800 grams.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental pediatrics
- Public health
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) infants, especially those under 1,800 grams, are at increased risk for developmental delays.
- Early intervention is crucial for optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes in vulnerable infants.
- A structured developmental intervention package can support LBW infants post-NICU discharge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a developmental intervention package for low birth weight infants (<1,800 g).
- To assess the developmental outcomes of these infants at 6 months of age following monthly interventions.
- To understand the role of mother-led home-based stimulation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 821 low birth weight infants (<1,800 g) discharged from the NICU were enrolled.
- Infants received monthly evaluations and developmental interventions by trained therapists, with home-based practice encouraged for mothers.
- Developmental outcomes were assessed at 6 months using the Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII).
Main Results:
- 740 out of 821 infants (90.1%) completed the 6-month intervention and follow-up.
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in head holding and gross motor skills (DDST) by 6 months.
- At 6 months, motor DQ abnormalities were 80% in the 600-900 g group versus 17.1% in the 1,500-1,800 g group.
Conclusions:
- Intensive, monthly early stimulation programs are vital for infants weighing less than 1,800 grams.
- A mother-oriented, systematic developmental stimulation package demonstrates importance in improving infant outcomes.
- Early intervention can mitigate developmental challenges in high-risk LBW populations.
Objectives:
To describe the experience of using developmental intervention package among low birth weight babies less than 1,800 g and developmental outcome at the end of 6 mo monthly intervention.
Methods:
Babies below 1,800 g, discharged from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) hospital, over the last 3 y, were followed at Child Development Centre (CDC) Kerala and offered monthly evaluation by different tools and developmental intervention using a package by trained developmental therapists and mothers were encouraged to continue the same at home. At the end of 6 mo the developmental outcome was assessed using Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII).
Results:
Out of a total of 821 babies enrolled for early stimulation program, 740 babies successfully completed 6 mo follow up and stimulation program. Comparing the outcome at 4 and 6 mo, both grading for head holding and gross motor part of DDST showed a statistically significant reduction in abnormal findings. At 6 mo assessment on DASII, motor DQ abnormalities were a high 80% for 600-900 g, as against 17.1% abnormalities for 1,500-1,800 g birth weight group.
Conclusions:
The results of this intensive early stimulation program for babies below 1,800 g have shown the importance of monthly early intervention using a mother oriented systematic developmental stimulation package.
