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Interdisciplinary Assessment of Premature Newborns and Their Families in a Hospital Setting in Medellín, Colombia
Juan Esteban López Cardona1, Angie Estefanía Mesa Burbano2, Leidy Yohana Apolinar Joven2
1Psique y Sociedad, Programa de Psicología, Fundación Universitaria María Cano, Medellín 050021, Colombia.
Insights
Early detection of neurological risk in preterm infants is crucial. This study found low neurological risk and few feeding issues, but highlighted social and psychological challenges impacting caregivers
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Preterm infants face heightened risks for conditions like Cerebral Palsy (CP).
- Early, interdisciplinary detection is vital for timely interventions.
- Recommended tools like HINE, WHOQOL-BREF, and EFIN are underutilized in Colombia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between neurological risk, feeding functions, and caregiver quality of life in preterm infants.
- To assess the implementation gap of early CP detection tools in Colombia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational and analytical study.
- Inclusion of 43 preterm infants.
- Assessment of neurological risk, suction-swallowing-breathing functions, and caregiver quality of life.
Main Results:
- Low prevalence of neurological risk (9.30%) and feeding difficulties (97.67% normal).
- Lowest caregiver quality of life scores reported in social relationships and psychological health domains.
- Identified perinatal factors requiring follow-up for preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- While neurological and feeding risks were low in this cohort, ongoing perinatal factor monitoring is essential.
- Social and psychological support for families of preterm infants must be prioritized.
- Highlights the need for integrating standardized assessments for early CP detection in neonatal follow-up.
Background:
Preterm infants are highly fragile and at increased risk of developing Cerebral Palsy (CP). Therefore, early detection through an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to enable timely referrals and evidence-based interventions. The literature recommends the use of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire, and the Comprehensive Neonatal Speech-Language Assessment Protocol (EFIN) for early CP diagnosis. However, despite the availability of these tools, they have not yet been implemented as part of evaluation and follow-up protocols in Colombia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational and analytical study was conducted to analyze, in a group of preterm infants, the relationship between neurological risk, primary stomatognathic functions (suction-swallowing-breathing), and caregivers' perceived quality of life.
Results:
A total of 43 preterm infants were included. Of these, only 9.30% showed neurological risk; 97.67% did not present alterations in the suction-swallowing-breathing triad; and the lowest quality of life scores were reported in social relationships and psychological health.
Conclusions:
There are perinatal factors that require follow-up in preterm infants to prevent possible future complications. It is essential to address both social and psychological aspects in family support programs.
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