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Early developmental interventions for infants born very preterm - what works?

Peter J Anderson1, Karli Treyvaud2, Alicia J Spittle3

  • 1Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health & School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|May 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Early developmental interventions show promise for very preterm infants (<32 weeks

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal development
  • Developmental psychology
  • Pediatric neurodevelopment

Background:

  • Children born very preterm (<32 weeks' gestation) face risks for long-term impairments.
  • Environmental factors significantly influence early brain development.
  • Targeted interventions can modify infant environments to improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effectiveness of early developmental interventions for very preterm infants.
  • To identify gaps in knowledge regarding intervention mechanisms, cost-effectiveness, and equity.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on early developmental interventions.
  • Analysis of intervention strategies focusing on hospital and home environments.
  • Evaluation of evidence supporting improved outcomes for very preterm infants and families.

Main Results:

  • Evidence generally supports the effectiveness of early developmental interventions for very preterm infants.
  • Variability exists in intervention focus, timing, and delivery methods.
  • Significant knowledge gaps remain concerning mechanisms, long-term effectiveness, and equitable service delivery.

Conclusions:

  • Early developmental interventions are beneficial for very preterm infants and their families.
  • Further research is needed to understand effectiveness, cost, and equity.
  • Integration of effective interventions into clinical practice requires more evidence.

Keywords:
Developmental outcomesEarly interventionEnvironmental exposuresParentingVery preterm

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