Neurodevelopment after a strength-based intervention in children born extremely preterm: a randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care and development
• Pediatric neurodevelopmental research
• Intervention studies in preterm infants

Background:

• Extremely preterm birth poses significant risks for neurodevelopmental impairments.
• Early parent-infant interventions may support development, but evidence remains limited.
• The Stockholm Preterm Interaction-Based Intervention was evaluated for its impact on neurodevelopment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of the Stockholm Preterm Interaction-Based Intervention on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months corrected age.
• To examine the risk of autism spectrum disorder as a separate outcome.
• To investigate if intervention effects varied based on biological and psychosocial factors.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 130 extremely preterm infants.
• Participants were assigned to either an intervention group (intervention + extended follow-up) or a control group (extended follow-up only).
• Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition, at 24 months corrected age.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in cognitive, language, or motor development were observed between groups.
• This lack of difference was consistent in the overall cohort and in subgroups, including those at risk for autism spectrum disorder.
• No interaction effects were found concerning biological and psychosocial factors.

Conclusions:

• The intervention did not demonstrate short-term neurodevelopmental benefits at 24 months corrected age in this cohort.
• Long-term follow-up is crucial to evaluate potential delayed effects of the intervention.
• Findings highlight the need for continued evaluation and potential refinement of early support programs for preterm infants.