Physical growth and neurodevelopmental indicators at corrected 6 months of age in preterm infants born at 22-32 weeks gestation: a single-center study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care and developmental pediatrics.
• Perinatal medicine and infant neurodevelopment.

Background:

• Preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestation face risks for developmental challenges.
• Early assessment of neurodevelopmental indicators is vital for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the physical growth and neurodevelopmental status of preterm infants (Gestational age < 32 weeks) at 6 months corrected age.
• To identify risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 116 infants with Gestational age < 32 weeks.
• Assessment of General Movements (GMs) at 1 month corrected age.
• Evaluation of physical growth, GMs, and Gesell Developmental Diagnosis Scale (GDDS) at 3 and 6 months corrected age.

Main Results:

• Abnormal General Movements (GMs) decreased significantly from 1 month (86.21%) to 3 months corrected age (3.44%).
• The proportion of infants with a developmental quotient (DQ) ≤ 75 decreased from 69.82% at 3 months to 43.10% at 6 months corrected age.
• Gestational age, multiple births, early intervention, and intracranial hemorrhage were identified as independent risk factors for neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Preterm infants (GA < 32 weeks) demonstrate improved neurodevelopmental outcomes by 6 months corrected age.
• Strengthening standardized follow-up and early neurodevelopmental interventions is essential for preterm infants.
• Timely interventions can mitigate adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk infants.