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General movements as a predictive tool of the neurological outcome in term born infants with hypoxic ischemic
Farin Soleimani1, Reza Shervin Badv2, Amin Momayezi3
1Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Kodakyar St, Daneshjo Blvd, Evin, P.O Box: 14155-6386, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Assessing fidgety movements (FMs) in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) accurately predicts neurological deficits. This early assessment method improves neurodevelopmental outcome prediction in high-risk newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental assessment
Background:
- Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) poses a significant risk for neurological deficits.
- Reliable early assessment tools are crucial for high-risk neonates.
- Predicting neurological outcomes aids in timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive value of fidgety movements (FMs) for neurological outcomes in infants with HIE.
- To establish FMs as an early diagnostic marker for neurodevelopmental impairment.
- To assess the efficacy of FMs in identifying infants requiring early intervention.
Main Methods:
- Prospective and descriptive study design.
- Inclusion of 15 term-born infants diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia and neonatal HIE.
- Video analysis of fidgety movements (FMs) at 3-5 months, classified as present or absent.
Main Results:
- Fidgety movements (FMs) demonstrated high predictive accuracy for neurological outcomes.
- Sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 1.00 were observed for FMs in predicting outcomes.
- Overall accuracy of FMs assessment was 0.87 for predicting neurodevelopmental status.
Conclusions:
- Fidgety movements (FMs) assessment is a valuable tool for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in term-born infants with HIE.
- Early identification of neurological deficits through FMs can guide therapeutic strategies.
- This method enhances the ability to predict long-term neurological status in affected neonates.
Background:
At a time of increasing high risk neonates, an assessment method is needed that can reliably predict neurological deficits at an early age.
Aims:
The objective of this study was to determine whether the assessment of fidgety movements (FMs) will predict the neurological outcome of infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Study Design:
This study employed a prospective and descriptive plan.
Subjects:
The study sample consisted of 15 infants (8 male and 7 female) born at term. Video recording of FMs were analyzed at 3 to 5 months' infants, who identified with perinatal asphyxia and neonatal HIE. FMs were classified as present or absent.
Outcome Measures:
At 12-18 months age, the infants' developmental outcome was classified as normal or abnormal according to the Infant Neurological International Battery test. "Abnormal outcome" was denoted as poor motor or neurological outcome such as cerebral palsy, whereas "Normal outcome" denotes normal motor and neurological outcomes.
Results:
The predictive values of FMs were: a sensitivity 0.80 (95% CI: 0.44-0.96), a specificity 1.00 (95% CI: 0.47-1.00), and the accuracy 0.87 (0.57 to 1.00).
Conclusions:
FMs assessment improves our ability to predict later neurodevelopmental outcomes in term born children with neonatal HIE.
