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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

88.2K

Comparative impact of early versus late growth on neurodevelopment in neonates

Indu Mary Thomas1, Sreerenjini B2, Thanuja Sasi1

  • 1Neonatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|March 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Optimizing infant growth in the NICU is crucial for long-term motor development. Early nutritional support before discharge significantly impacts neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Preterm birth is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Despite improved survival rates, long-term developmental concerns persist for preterm infants.
  • Advancements in neonatal care necessitate a focus on developmental trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between anthropometric measures and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
  • To determine the impact of early growth on motor and cognitive development.
  • To compare the importance of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) growth versus post-discharge catch-up growth.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 562 preterm infants monitored for at least 1 year post-discharge.
  • Analysis of anthropometric measures (weight, head circumference (HC), length z-scores) at birth, discharge, and follow-up.
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants.

Main Results:

  • Higher discharge z-scores for weight, length, and HC were significantly associated with improved AIMS scores at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected age.
  • Weight, length, and HC z-scores at discharge showed strong positive associations with motor development.
  • Post-discharge catch-up growth did not significantly influence neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) growth is more critical for long-term motor development than post-discharge catch-up growth.
  • Early nutritional and growth support during NICU stay plays a vital role in shaping developmental trajectories.
  • Optimizing growth before discharge is essential for improving long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
GrowthInfantIntensive Care Units, NeonatalNeonatology

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