Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 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

Weighted and unweighted comorbidity burden for predicting three-year neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants: A

Shuji Ishida1, Hidehiko Nakanishi2,3, Izumi Iitsuka2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan. s-ishida@kitasato-u.ac.jp.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|August 21, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Both unweighted and weighted morbidity measures effectively predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm infants. These tools can improve risk stratification and follow-up care for high-risk newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal research
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Clinical epidemiology

Background:

  • Extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks' gestation) face significant risks for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Accurate prognostic tools are crucial for risk stratification and targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the prognostic utility of unweighted morbidity counts versus weighted morbidity scores.
  • To evaluate their effectiveness in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years in extremely preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study using data from the Neonatal Research Network of Japan.
  • Assessment of neurodevelopment included developmental quotient and cerebral palsy at 3 years.
  • Cumulative morbidity burden quantified using unweighted counts and weighted scores (derived from log-odds ratios for severe impairment).
  • Inverse probability weighting used to address incomplete follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Both unweighted morbidity counts and weighted morbidity scores were significantly associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Unweighted counts showed higher sensitivity for any adverse outcome.
  • Weighted scores demonstrated high specificity (0.94) for severe impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Unweighted morbidity counts and weighted morbidity scores offer complementary prognostic information.
  • These measures can enhance risk stratification, follow-up prioritization, and family counseling for extremely preterm infants.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 105:44

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Published on: May 17, 2024

Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates05:58

Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates

Published on: September 6, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Bias in Epidemiological Studies01:29

Bias in Epidemiological Studies

Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.