Risk Factor Models for Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children Born Very Preterm or With Very Low Birth Weight: A

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Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

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Louise Linsell, Reem Malouf, Joan Morris

    American Journal of Epidemiology
    |March 25, 2017
    PubMed

    Insights

    Predicting long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for very preterm (VPT) or very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is crucial. However, few existing risk factor models are suitable for clinical use, highlighting a need for better prognostic studies.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Developmental Pediatrics
    • Clinical Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Accurate prediction of long-term outcomes for very preterm (VPT) and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is essential for clinical care, parental counseling, and intervention evaluation.
    • Existing literature on risk factor models for neurodevelopmental outcomes in VPT/VLBW children is extensive, but few models are designed for routine clinical practice, research, or policy.
    • There is a significant gap in the development and application of validated prognostic models for this vulnerable population.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To systematically review the methodologies and reporting standards of studies developing multivariable risk factor models for neurodevelopmental outcomes in surviving VPT/VLBW children.
    • To identify the strengths and limitations of current research practices in this field.
    • To provide recommendations for future research on risk prediction and prognostic modeling for VPT/VLBW children.

    Main Methods:

    • A systematic literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases.
    • The search covered studies published from January 1, 1990, to June 1, 2014.
    • Identified studies were analyzed for their methodology and reporting quality in developing risk factor models for neurodevelopment.

    Main Results:

    • The review identified 78 studies reporting a total of 222 risk factor models.
    • A majority of the analyzed studies presented risk factor analyses not specifically designed for prediction.
    • The findings confirm a scarcity of studies focused on developing prognostic models for long-term outcomes in surviving VPT/VLBW children.

    Conclusions:

    • The current body of research demonstrates a critical need for the development of robust prognostic models tailored for clinical use in VPT/VLBW survivors.
    • Improvements in study design, methodology, and reporting are necessary to enhance the reliability and applicability of risk prediction models.
    • Future research should prioritize the creation and validation of predictive models to better guide clinical management and support evidence-based interventions for VPT/VLBW infants.

    Keywords:
    data reportingdevelopmentpreterm infantsprognosisresearch methodologyrisk factorssystematic reviewsvery low birth weight

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