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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Early neuromotor and sensory development in premature infants: An 18-month longitudinal follow-up study
Müberra Tanrıverdi1, Güleser Güney Yılmaz1
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkiye; Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, İstanbul, Turkiye.
Insights
Premature infants show significant neuromotor and sensory development gains by 18 months corrected age. Early assessments and interventions are key for supporting these developmental trajectories in at-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Premature infants face higher risks of neurodevelopmental issues like motor deficits and cognitive impairments.
- Early identification of neuromotor and sensory delays is vital for timely intervention in high-risk infants.
- Understanding developmental trajectories in preterm infants is crucial for optimizing long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neuromotor and sensory development in premature infants up to 18 months corrected age.
- To analyze the changes and progression in developmental trajectories during this period.
- To identify the potential for improvement in preterm infants' neurodevelopment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study involving 176 premature infants (born <37 weeks gestation).
- Neurological, Sensory, Motor, Developmental Assessment (NSMDA) used for evaluations.
- Assessments conducted at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 18 months of corrected age.
Main Results:
- NSMDA scores demonstrated consistent improvement over the 18-month period.
- Significant developmental progress was observed, particularly between the initial and final assessments.
- Many infants with initial severe difficulties improved substantially, some reaching typical developmental ranges by 18 months.
- A majority of infants initially developing typically maintained their developmental status.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants exhibit substantial potential for neuromotor and sensory development within the first 18 months of corrected age.
- Regular early assessments are critical for monitoring progress and identifying potential delays.
- Targeted interventions can significantly support and optimize developmental outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Premature infants are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental challenges, including motor skill deficits, language delays, and cognitive impairments. Early assessment of neuromotor and sensory development is crucial for identifying developmental delays and implementing timely interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate neuromotor and sensory development in premature infants over an 18-month corrected age period and to analyze changes in developmental trajectories during this time. In this prospective longitudinal study, 176 premature infants (born before 37 weeks gestation) were assessed at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 18 months of corrected age using the Neurological, Sensory, Motor, Developmental Assessment (NSMDA). The NSMDA scores showed clear improvement over time, with the biggest gains seen between the first and last assessments. Many infants who started with severe difficulties made significant progress, with some reaching a normal developmental range by 18 months. Additionally, a large portion of infants who were initially developing typically continued to do so throughout the study. The study underscores the potential for significant neuromotor and sensory development in premature infants within the first 18 months of corrected age. Regular early assessments and targeted interventions are essential to support optimal developmental outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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