Neurodevelopment Outcomes in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants with Metabolic Bone Disease at 2 Years of Age

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Bone Health
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is common in preterm infants, especially very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g).
• Limited data exists on the relationship between MBD and neurodevelopmental outcomes in this vulnerable population.
• Understanding these links is crucial for early intervention and improved long-term health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors for MBD in VLBW infants.
• To evaluate the impact of MBD on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years corrected age.
• To provide insights into the long-term consequences of MBD in VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective assessment of 749 VLBW infants (<1350 g) using radiographic signs for MBD diagnosis.
• Neurodevelopmental assessment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) at 6, 12, and 24 months corrected age.
• Exclusion of infants with major congenital or chromosomal abnormalities and those lost to follow-up.

Main Results:

• 97 VLBW infants were diagnosed with MBD.
• Infants with MBD showed significantly lower scores in motor, language, and cognitive domains at 24 months corrected age compared to those without MBD.
• 86% of enrolled infants completed all three follow-up assessments.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic bone disease in VLBW infants is associated with impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Cognitive, motor, and language composite scores are negatively affected by MBD at 24 months corrected age.
• Early identification and management of MBD may be critical for optimizing neurodevelopmental trajectories in VLBW infants.