Predictive value of neonatal neurological examination for cerebral function in infancy

Five days after birth, 144 clinically normal infants were examined according to Prechtl's 'optimality' method. 118 were classified as neurologically optimal and 26 as sub-optimal. At the ages of 12, 22 and 36 months, parents' reports indicated differences in behaviour between the two groups; and at age 22 months observed behaviour and some neurological variables also differed. All the perceived differences were to the disadvantage of the sub-optimal group. There were more differences among the boys than among the girls, and the differences were not the same for the two sexes. The study shows that there can be subtle differences at a later age between children who at birth are neurologically optimal or sub-optimal but clinically normal.