Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
[Association between neontal morbidity, gestational age and developmental delays in moderate to late preterm
Luisa Schonhaut1, Marcela Pérez1, Sergio Muñoz2
1Servicio de Pediatría, Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
Insights
Symptomatic hypoglycemia is a key risk factor for developmental delay in moderate-to-late preterm infants. Male gender, twin status, and gestational age also impact development rates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) infants face increased risks of hospitalization, neonatal complications, and developmental delay (DD).
- Understanding factors influencing DD in this population is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between developmental delay (DD) and neonatal morbidity in moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) children.
- To identify specific risk factors contributing to developmental outcomes in MLP infants.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study nested within a cohort of MLP children (born 2006-2009).
- Developmental assessment using Bayley-III Scales at 8, 18 months corrected age, or 30 months chronological age.
- Retrospective review of neonatal records and multivariate analysis to assess morbidity's effect on development.
Main Results:
- 130 MLP children studied (25 cases, 105 controls); 83.8% hospitalized neonatally.
- Symptomatic hypoglycemia showed a significant association with DD (adjusted OR 8.18).
- Male gender, twin status, and gestational age negatively influenced developmental rates.
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic hypoglycemia is identified as the primary risk factor for developmental delay in MLP infants.
- Male gender, twin status, and gestational age are significant factors affecting overall development.
- Emphasizes the need for preventative strategies, screening, and early management of hypoglycemia to mitigate future DD.
Introduction:
There is evidence that children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) have a higher risk of hospitalisation, neonatal morbidity, and developmental delay (DD).
Objective:
To determine the association between DD, gestational age, and neonatal morbidity in MLP children.
Patients And Method:
A case control study design nested in a cohort of MLP children born between 2006 and 2009 at a private hospital located in the Metropolitan area of Santiago. The children were assessed with the Bayley-III Scales of Infant Development at 8 or 18 months corrected age, or at 30 months of chronological age. Neonatal records were retrospectively reviewed. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the effect of neonatal morbidity on development.
Results:
A total of 130 MLP children, 25 cases and 105 controls, were studied. Most of them (83.8%) were hospitalised during the neonatal period. Significant differences between cases and controls regarding maternal age and symptomatic hypoglycaemia were observed (crude OR 3.5, adjusted OR 8.18). It was concluded that the variables that negatively affect the rate of development are male gender, being a twin, and gestational age.
Conclusions:
Symptomatic hypoglycaemia is the main risk factor for DD, while being a twin, male gender, and gestational age influenced the total development rate obtained. It is essential to develop strategies for prevention, screening, and early management of this metabolic disorder to prevent future DD.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
01:29Intellectual Disability