Retrospective observational study of first-year developmental outcomes following congenital microcephaly

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Developmental pediatrics
• Pediatric neurology

Background:

• Congenital microcephaly presents a significant risk for neurodevelopmental impairments.
• Early identification of infants at risk for motor delays is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between persistent versus resolved microcephaly and motor development in infants.
• To determine if microcephaly status can predict early motor outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development® for motor assessments.
• Analyzed data from infants with congenital microcephaly seen in a NICU Follow-Up Clinic (2015-2024).
• Employed a linear mixed model to compare motor scores based on microcephaly persistence.

Main Results:

• Infants with persistent microcephaly showed significantly lower motor scores at 4-6 months (12.07 points lower).
• This motor development gap between persistent and resolved microcephaly groups diminished by 9-12 months.
• Seventy-eight infants with complete head circumference and motor data were included.

Conclusions:

• Persistent microcephaly is associated with poorer early motor development at 4-6 months.
• Head circumference measurements may serve as a simple tool for predicting early motor delays in infants with congenital microcephaly.