Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2025
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Long-term predictivity of early neurological assessment and developmental trajectories in low-risk preterm infants
Daniela Dicanio1, Giulia Spoto1, Angela Alibrandi2
1Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Insights
This study on low-risk premature infants found that specific movement assessments can predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. These findings are crucial for early identification and intervention in preterm populations.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Prematurity affects 10.6% of births, with potential for long-term neurological issues.
- Predictive factors for severe neurodevelopmental impairments are actively researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurodevelopmental trajectories in low-risk premature infants.
- To assess the validity and predictivity of standardized methods for adverse outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 148 preterm infants.
- Utilized standardized assessment methods including general movements, Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and Griffiths Mental and Development Scales.
Main Results:
- Found significant correlations between general movements, Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and Griffiths Mental and Development Scales.
- Demonstrated the validity and predictivity of these assessments for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Confirmed predictive value even in low-risk preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Standardized assessments are effective in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in low-risk preterm infants.
- Early identification of potential neurological sequelae is possible through these methods.
Abstract:
Prematurity represents 10.6% of all births, and although preterm infants usually show adequate neurodevelopmental outcomes, some may develop significant and long-lasting neurological sequelae. Many studies have analyzed predictive factors for developing severe neurodevelopmental impairments (cerebral palsy, other motor and socio-relational disorders such as autism). In this study, 148 preterm infants were enrolled to investigate the neurodevelopmental trajectories in a population of low-risk premature infants using standardized assessment methods. Significant correlations were found between the general movements, the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and the Griffiths Mental and Development Scales. Moreover, this study showed their validity and predictivity for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes even in low-risk infants.
