Predictors of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes of very preterm and very low birth weight infants

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Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

86.1K

Rita Pissarra1, Bárbara Pereira-Neto2, Pedro Miragaia2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, São João Universitary Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal - ritapissarrateixeira@gmail.com.

Minerva Pediatrics
|September 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants face significant neurodevelopmental risks, with hydrocephalus, retinopathy of prematurity, and neonatal sepsis being key predictors of poorer outcomes. Early intervention is crucial for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care and developmental pediatrics.
  • Perinatal medicine and public health.

Background:

  • Premature infants, especially very preterm (VP) and very low birth weight (VLBW), face high risks of long-term morbidity and neurodevelopmental deficits.
  • Despite advancements, understanding predictors of adverse outcomes in this population remains critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years in VP and/or VLBW infants.
  • To identify perinatal factors associated with poorer neurodevelopmental performance.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort analysis of neurodevelopmental evaluations at two years.
  • Multivariable logistic regression to assess associations between perinatal history and outcomes.
  • Griffiths' Mental Development Scales used for milestone assessment in VP/VLBW infants.

Main Results:

  • 18.6% of infants did not achieve two-year milestones in language, and 7.3% in motor function.
  • Global developmental delay (GDD) affected 14.8%, and cerebral palsy was present in 2.8%.
  • Hydrocephalus with shunt/reservoir (OR:19.01), retinopathy of prematurity stage ≥2 (OR:7.86), and neonatal sepsis (OR:3.34) were significantly associated with GDD.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairment, primarily global developmental delay and language delay.
  • Hydrocephalus, retinopathy of prematurity, and neonatal sepsis are significant predictors of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Identifying these risk factors is vital for targeted early intervention programs for high-risk infants.
Abstract

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