Neurological outcome at 6 and 12 months corrected age in hospitalised late preterm infants -a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Developmental pediatrics
• High-risk infant follow-up

Background:

• Late preterm infants (34-6/7 to 36-6/7 weeks gestation) represent a significant portion of NICU admissions.
• These infants face increased risks for morbidity, mortality, and developmental delays, yet neurological outcomes are underreported.
• Understanding neurological development in this population is crucial for timely interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the neurological and neuromotor outcomes of high-risk late preterm infants at 6 and 12 months corrected age.
• To track changes in neurological scores over this period.
• To identify factors associated with neurological outcomes in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 157 late preterm infants admitted to the NICU was assessed.
• The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) was administered at 6 and 12 months corrected age.
• The optimality score system, assessing 26 items, was used, with parent-reported milestones also collected.

Main Results:

• Infants scored globally at 59 (47-76) at 6 months and 70 (58-78) at 12 months corrected age.
• Optimal scores increased from 25.4% at 6 months to 63.2% at 12 months.
• Being born small for gestational age was the sole factor negatively impacting HINE scores; 58.5% achieved independent walking by 12 months.

Conclusions:

• High-risk late preterm infants exhibit suboptimal neurological scores even at 12 months corrected age.
• The findings highlight the necessity for enhanced follow-up protocols and early intervention programs.
• Targeted support is essential for improving developmental trajectories in this vulnerable group.