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Denver developmental screening test and preterm infants
Insights
The Denver Developmental Screening Test may mislabel preterm infants. Using corrected age with the Denver test and Griffiths scales improves developmental delay detection in preterm children.
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.
Abstract:
The results of Denver developmental screening test and Griffiths mental development scales examination performed on 198 preterm children during the first three years of life and compared. Using real age the former identified children with developmental delay, but labelled up to 42% of babies as having questionable or abnormal development. Using corrected age very few children showed less than normal development, and in the first year those whose Griffiths scales results showed delay were often assessed as normal by the Denver test. In view of its less satisfactory sensitivity and selectivity it is suggested that both age lines should be drawn when using the Denver test with preterm children so that undue anxiety can be allayed while appropriate action is taken to ensure adequate follow up.