Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neurofunctional assessment at term equivalent age can predict 3-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth
Odoardo Picciolini1, Rosario Montirosso2, Matteo Porro1
1Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
Insights
Early neurofunctional assessment in preterm infants can identify those at risk for developmental delays. This helps in timely interventions for better long-term outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
- Perinatal medicine
Background:
- Preterm infants face significant risks for motor, learning, and behavioral issues.
- Accurate neurodevelopmental assessments are crucial for clinical management of these infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between neurofunctional status at term equivalent age and neurodevelopmental outcomes at three years of age in preterm infants.
- To establish the predictive value of early neurofunctional assessment for long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 70 very low birth weight infants underwent neurofunctional assessment at term equivalent age.
- Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated at three years using the Griffiths Mental Development Scale - Extended Revised.
Main Results:
- 81% of infants had normal neurofunctional scores at term equivalent age, with 82.5% showing normal development at three years.
- Among infants with impaired neurofunctional status at term equivalent age (19%), 38.5% exhibited neurodevelopmental delay at three years.
- Impaired neurofunctional status significantly increased the risk of global (OR 12.1) and locomotor (OR 18.35) developmental delay. Sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis were also linked to higher risks.
Conclusions:
- Neurofunctional assessment at term equivalent age serves as an effective tool for early identification of preterm infants at risk of neurodevelopmental delay.
- This early identification facilitates timely interventions, potentially improving long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for high-risk preterm infants.
Aim:
Preterm infants are at high risk of developing motor delay, learning difficulties and behavioural problems and the availability of valid neurodevelopmental assessments is a major clinical issue. This study evaluated the relationship between preterm infants' neurofunctional assessment at term equivalent age and neurodevelopment outcome at three years of chronological age.
Methods:
Neurofunctional assessment was performed in 70 very low birth weight infants at term equivalent age and neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at three years of chronological age with the Griffiths Mental Development Scale - Extended Revised.
Results:
At term equivalent age, 81% of the children had normal neurofunctional scores and 82.5% of those showed normal neurodevelopmental outcome at three years. Of the 19% who had impaired development at term equivalent age, 38.5% had neurodevelopmental delay at three years. Impaired neurofunctional status was associated with an increased risk of developmental delay in the global quotient (odds ratio 12.1) and locomotor sub-quotient (odds ratio 18.35) compared with normal neurofunctional status. Infants with sepsis or necrotising enterocolitis also faced a higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay.
Conclusion:
Neurofunctional assessment performed at term equivalent age appeared to provide early identification of preterm infants at risk of neurodevelopmental delay at three years of chronological age.
