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Published on: August 25, 2014
Assessment of Preterm Infants Using the Bayley-III Scales in Korea
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
Insights
Extremely preterm infants show higher rates of motor developmental delay. Very low birth weight and abnormal brain MRI findings predict poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm birth poses significant risks to infant neurodevelopment.
- Early assessment of developmental trajectories is crucial for timely intervention.
- Understanding specific risk factors can guide preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III).
- To identify perinatal risk factors associated with developmental delays in a Korean population.
- To compare outcomes between extremely preterm and very/moderate to late preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- 120 preterm infants underwent neurodevelopmental assessment using Bayley-III scales.
- Infants were categorized into extremely preterm (n=18) and very/moderate to late preterm (n=102) groups.
- Perinatal risk factors analyzed included very low birth weight, neonatal medical history, and brain MRI findings.
Main Results:
- Cognitive development was the most frequently delayed domain (38.3%).
- Extremely preterm infants exhibited a significantly higher rate of motor developmental delay.
- Very low birth weight and abnormal brain MRI findings were significant predictors of lower composite scores.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive and motor development are frequently affected in preterm infants.
- Extremely preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to motor delays.
- Very low birth weight and abnormal brain MRI are key predictive factors for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Objective:
To assess the well-being of preterm newborns using the Bayley-III scales in a Korean-based population, and to evaluate the perinatal risk factors influencing developmental outcome.
Methods:
Using the Bayley-III scales, we assessed 120 preterm infants who were referred for evaluation of neurodevelopmental performance. We subdivided them into an extremely preterm group (n=18) and a very/moderate to late preterm group (n=102). Bayley-III mean scores and the rate of infants showing a delay were compared for both groups. The relationship between perinatal risk factors and Bayley-III scores was analyzed. The risk factors were considered as very low birth weight, history of neonatal medical problems, and abnormal radiologic findings in brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs).
Results:
Although no significant differences in mean scores were observed between the extremely preterm group and the very/moderate to late preterm group, the rate of babies showing developmental delay in motor composite scores was significantly higher in the extremely preterm group. The proportions of preterm infants with cognitive, language, and motor delays were 38.3%, 26.7%, and 35.0%, respectively. Very low birth weight was a significant risk factor for low cognitive, language, and motor composite scores. Also, abnormal radiologic findings on brain MRI were significant indicators of lower motor composite scores.
Conclusion:
Cognitive development was the most frequently delayed domain in preterm infants and motor development was more frequently delayed in the extremely preterm group. The very low birth weight and abnormal radiologic findings in brain MRI were predictive factors for neurodevelopmental outcome.
