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Published on: August 25, 2014
Preterm Children in Iceland: Neonatal Morbidities and Motor Development in the First Two Years, and Later Disability
Hildur Bjork Adolfsdottir1, Edda Thorvaldsdottir1, Helga Bogadottir2
1University of Iceland, School of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Insights
Very premature infants experienced more health issues and disabilities. Neonatal complications predicted later disability, highlighting the need for ongoing infant monitoring and support.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited Icelandic data exist on preterm birth outcomes.
- Neonatal morbidities and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe neonatal morbidities in preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation).
- Assess motor development up to 24 months.
- Determine if neonatal morbidities predict later disability.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 318 infants (<32 weeks gestation or <1000g birth weight).
- Motor development assessed using Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Bayley Scales.
- Correlation and multivariable regression analyzed associations between morbidities and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Infants born <28 weeks or <1000g had higher morbidity and disability rates.
- Motor performance was below norms in the most premature group.
- Cumulative neonatal morbidity independently predicted later disability (approx. 60% increased odds per morbidity).
Conclusions:
- Increased prematurity correlates with higher morbidity and disability risks.
- Neonatal morbidity burden is a significant predictor of later disability.
- Long-term follow-up is crucial for high-risk preterm infants.
Aim:
Icelandic data on outcomes after preterm birth are limited. The aim was to describe neonatal morbidities, motor development up to 24 months, and examine whether morbidities predicted disability.
Method:
It was a retrospective cohort study of 318 children born < 32 weeks of gestation and/or weighing < 1 000 g, who were followed at the University Hospital of Iceland from January 2012 to December 2020. Motor development was assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale to 15 months, and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III motor scales at 12 and 24 months. Associations between neonatal morbidities and outcomes were examined using correlation and multivariable regression.
Results:
Neonatal morbidities were more common in children born < 28 weeks of gestation and/or weighed < 1 000 g, who also had higher rates of later disability diagnoses. Motor performance to 24 months was below test norms in this group, but morbidities were not associated with motor scale outcomes. In the cohort of children born before 32 weeks of gestation, cumulative neonatal morbidity burden independently predicted later disability, with adjusted odds increasing by approximately 60% per additional morbidity.
Conclusion:
Children born more prematurely had greater morbidity and disability risk. Cumulative neonatal morbidity predicted later disability, supporting long-term follow-up.
