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Joint Laxity in Preschool Children Born Preterm
Domenico M Romeo1, Chiara Velli1, Simona Lucibello1
1Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Twenty percent of preterm infants exhibit joint laxity, which is linked to delayed walking and poorer motor skills. Early identification of joint laxity in these children can guide interventions to improve gross motor development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm birth is associated with various developmental challenges.
- Joint laxity is a condition that may affect motor development in children.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of joint laxity in preterm infants is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of joint laxity in preterm infants within the first two years of life.
- To investigate the relationship between joint laxity and motor performance in preschool-aged preterm children.
- To assess the longitudinal changes in joint laxity over time in a subgroup of preterm children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the revised Beighton Score to assess joint laxity in 132 preterm children (24–32 weeks gestational age).
- Evaluated joint laxity between 12–24 months and motor skills using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (3.5–4 years).
- Recorded age of independent walking and conducted longitudinal assessments of joint laxity in a subgroup.
Main Results:
- Twenty percent of the preterm cohort demonstrated joint laxity, with no significant differences based on sex or gestational age.
- Preterm children with joint laxity achieved independent walking later and scored lower on motor assessments.
- Longitudinal assessments in 76 children showed no statistically significant changes in joint laxity between 25 and over 36 months.
Conclusions:
- The Beighton Score is a valid tool for assessing generalized joint laxity in preterm infants.
- Joint laxity in preterm children negatively impacts motor competence, highlighting the importance of early identification.
- Early detection of joint laxity in the first two years can facilitate interventions to enhance gross motor skills and coordination.
Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence of joint laxity in children born preterm assessed in the first 2 years, the relationship between joint laxity and motor performance at preschool age, and possible changes over time in a subgroup of children followed longitudinally.
Study Design:
The revised scale of Beighton Score was used to evaluate joint laxity in a population of 132 preschool children born preterm between 24 and 32 weeks of gestational age. All were assessed for joint laxity between 12 and 24 months of age. Children also performed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition between the age of 3 years and 6 months and 4 years; the age at onset of independent walking also was recorded.
Results:
The total Beighton Score ranged between 0 and 8. Twenty percent of the cohort showed joint laxity. No differences related to sex or gestational age were observed. Children born preterm with joint laxity achieved later independent walking and achieved lower scores on Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition than those without joint laxity. In 76 children born preterm, an assessment for joint laxity was repeated once between 25 and 36 months and again after >36 months. No statistically significant difference was observed between the 3 assessments.
Conclusions:
The Beighton Score can be used to assess generalized joint laxity in children born preterm. As the presence of joint laxity influenced motor competences, the possibility to early identify these infants in the first 2 years is of interest to benefit from early intervention and potentially improve gross motor skills and coordination.
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