Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Influencing factors of the neurodevelopment of high-risk infants
Yuan Tian1, Chuncao Zhang1, Guangjun Yu1
1Department of Child Health Management, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.
Insights
High-risk infants have a high incidence of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Preterm birth and parental habits significantly impact development, highlighting the need for monitoring and early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Neonatology
Background:
- High-risk infants are newborns exposed to prenatal, natal, or postnatal risk factors.
- These infants face elevated risks of developmental delays, making early identification crucial for improving quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe neurodevelopment in high-risk infants under one year old.
- To analyze the incidence and influencing factors of neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
- To provide a basis for monitoring and managing high-risk infants' neurodevelopment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 484 high-risk infants born in Shanghai between January 2016 and December 2016 were followed.
- The Gesell Developmental Scale assessed neurodevelopment at 0-2 months and 9 months.
- Univariate and multivariate analyses identified influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Initially, full-term high-risk infants showed higher developmental quotient (DQ) scores and lower abnormality rates than preterm infants across motor, cognitive, language, and social domains.
- By 9 months, no significant differences in DQ scores or abnormality rates were observed between full-term and preterm infants.
- The overall incidence of developmental abnormalities reached approximately 10% at 9 months.
Conclusions:
- High incidence of neurodevelopmental abnormalities is observed in high-risk infants under one year.
- Preterm birth and parental adverse habits are significant influencing factors.
- Regular monitoring and timely interventions are essential for improving neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Background:
High-risk infants refer to newborns exposed to high-risk factors in the prenatal, natal or postnatal period. High-risk infants are at high risk of developmental retardation, and early identification of developmental abnormalities plays a vital role in improving high-risk infants' quality of life.
Aims:
To describe the neurodevelopment of high-risk infants aged less than 1 year old, and to analyse the incidences and influencing factors of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in order to provide a basis for neurodevelopment monitoring and management of high-risk infants.
Methods:
High-risk infants born between January 2016 and December 2016 in the maternity and infant health hospitals of three districts in Shanghai were followed up. The Gesell Developmental Scale was used to assess the neurodevelopmental level at the time of recruitment (0-2 months) and at 9 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the influencing factors were conducted.
Results:
484 high-risk infants (male 51%, female 49%) with an average gestation age of 36.5±2.2 weeks were recruited. At the time of recruitment, the average age was 2.1 (0.8) months, and the developmental quotient (DQ) scores of full-term high-risk infants in motor (t=3.542, p=0.001), cognitive (t=3.125, p=0.002), language (t=3.189, p=0.002) and social (t=3.316, p=0.001) areas were higher than those of preterm infants. The incidences of developmental abnormalities of full-term high-risk infants in motor (χ2 =9.452, p=0.002), cognitive (χ =6.258, p=0.012), language (χ =12.319, p =0.001) and social (χ =6.811, p=0.009) areas were lower than the preterm infants. At 9 months, there was no difference in the DQ scores and incidences of developmental abnormalities in four areas between full-term and preterm high-risk infants, and the incidence of developmental abnormalities was around 10%.
Conclusion:
The incidence of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in high-risk infants aged less than 1 year old is high. Preterm birth and parental bad habits are significant factors affecting the neurodevelopment. Monitoring and early interventions help to improve high-risk infants' neurodevelopment.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:22Bioavailability: Influencing Factors
01:29Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: pH
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:22Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
01:23Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits