Growth and development in preterm infants during the first 18 months

Area of Science:

• Neonatal research
• Developmental pediatrics
• Perinatal medicine

Background:

• Premature infants born before 35 weeks gestational age face unique developmental challenges.
• Long-term follow-up is crucial to understand the trajectory of preterm infant development.
• Comparison with full-term infants provides a benchmark for assessing developmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the growth, motor, neurological, and language development of preterm infants with full-term infants.
• To identify potential correlations between perinatal risk factors and developmental outcomes at 18 months.
• To assess the incidence of illness and healthcare utilization in preterm infants during the first 18 months.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study followed 46 preterm infants and 26 full-term infants.
• Growth parameters (height, weight) were measured at 9 and 18 months chronological age.
• Motor, neurological, and language development were assessed at 18 months.
• Perinatal risk factors were defined and analyzed for correlation with outcomes.
• Illness incidence was measured by doctor visits and hospital days.

Main Results:

• Preterm infants had lower height and weight at chronological ages of 9 and 18 months, but this difference resolved when corrected for gestational age.
• Delayed motor, neurological maturity, and language development were observed in preterm infants at 18 months, potentially linked to biological age.
• Ten preterm infants exhibited neurological abnormalities, with two diagnosed with handicaps (retrolental fibroplasia, cerebral palsy) by 18 months.
• Developmental outcomes did not correlate with the degree of pre- or perinatal risk or with neurological examination at term.
• The preterm group experienced more frequent illnesses, primarily common infections, requiring more doctor visits and hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

• While growth catch-up occurs, preterm infants experience developmental delays and increased morbidity in early childhood.
• Neurological abnormalities and handicaps can manifest in preterm infants, necessitating close monitoring.
• Current risk stratification methods may not fully predict long-term developmental trajectories.
• Preterm infants require comprehensive care addressing both developmental and health needs during the crucial first years.