Denver developmental screening test and preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Developmental Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Preterm infants exhibit unique developmental trajectories.
• Accurate developmental assessment is crucial for early intervention.
• Existing screening tools may require age adjustments for preterm populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) in preterm children.
• To evaluate the impact of using real age versus corrected age on developmental assessments.
• To determine the sensitivity and selectivity of the DDST in identifying developmental delays in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 198 preterm children was assessed within their first three years of life.
• The Denver Developmental Screening Test and Griffiths Mental Development Scales were administered.
• Developmental outcomes were analyzed using both chronological (real) age and corrected age.

Main Results:

• Using real age, the DDST identified developmental delay but flagged up to 42% of infants as questionable or abnormal.
• Employing corrected age significantly reduced the identification of developmental delay by the DDST.
• In the first year, infants with delays on the GMDS were often assessed as normal by the DDST using real age.

Conclusions:

• The DDST demonstrates suboptimal sensitivity and selectivity for preterm infants when using real age.
• Adjusting for corrected age is essential for accurate developmental screening in preterm populations.
• Utilizing both real and corrected age with the DDST can prevent unnecessary parental anxiety and ensure appropriate follow-up for preterm children.