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Retention of primitive reflexes and delayed motor development in very low birth weight infants
Insights
Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants show higher rates of motor delays and retained primitive reflexes compared to term infants. These retained reflexes are linked to delayed motor development in VLBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Primitive reflexes are crucial for infant development.
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants may experience altered developmental trajectories.
- Assessing primitive reflexes can offer insights into neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate primitive reflexes and motor development in VLBW infants at four months corrected age.
- To compare motor development and reflex retention between VLBW and term infants.
- To determine the association between retained primitive reflexes and motor delays in VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- 127 VLBW infants and 37 term infants underwent assessments at four months corrected age.
- Evaluated primitive reflexes: asymmetrical tonic neck, tonic labyrinth, and Moro reflexes.
- Assessed motor skills including reaching, rolling, and the Denver Development Screening Test gross motor scale.
Main Results:
- VLBW infants demonstrated stronger primitive reflexes and significantly more motor delays than term infants.
- A clear correlation was found between the strength of retained primitive reflexes and delayed motor development in VLBW infants.
- The incidence of motor delays was confirmed to be high among VLBW infants.
Conclusions:
- VLBW infants exhibit a higher incidence of retained primitive reflexes and motor delays.
- Retained primitive reflexes are significantly associated with delayed motor development in VLBW infants.
- Early assessment of primitive reflexes may aid in identifying VLBW infants at risk for motor delays.
Abstract:
Primitive reflexes and motor development were evaluated in 127 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight less than 1501 grams) at four months corrected age. The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex, tonic labyrinth reflex, and Moro reflex were assessed for each child. The ability of each child to reach (obtain a red ring) and roll were observed. The child's performance on the gross motor scale of the Denver Development Screening Test was recorded. Thirty-seven term infants were administered identical evaluations at four months of age. The VLBW infants retained stronger primitive reflexes and exhibited a significantly higher incidence of motor delays than term infants. Significant correlations existed between the strength of the primitive reflexes and early motor development for VLBW infants. This study confirms a high incidence of motor delays among VLBW infants and demonstrates a clear association between retained primitive reflexes and delayed motor development in VLBW infants.