359 Functional Motor Outcome at the Corrected Age of 2 Years in Preterm Born Children with a GA of 30 to 31 Weeks

Abstract

Introduction: Methods measuring qualitative functioning are mostly time consuming and to detailed. A practical method to assess functional motor outcome is proposed and tested in this study.Patients and methods: The examination, which tested different functions, is described in 185 preterm infants (30–31 weeks) at the corrected age of 24 months. Overall outcome and those on the functions were expressed as percentages of the total optimal age adequate performed items, which were related to each other and to possible neonatal confounders. Whereas outcome as at 24 months was compared to earlier outcome and to the results of the Bayley test of infant development.Results: Mean BW of the 185 children was 1403 g (SD ± 338 g). There were 100 boys and 85 girls. The different functions were related to each other at the age of 24 months and also to the functions at 12 months (P < 0.01). Outcome was also related to the motor scale of the Bayley test of infant development (P < 0.01). At 12 months 73% of the children scored > 95% whereas only 44% scored the same at 24 months. Worst outcome was found for motility and gross motor function. Eleven children (6%) scored < 51%. In 130 children less optimal outcome was found at 24 months compared to 12 months, whereas 34 children improved. (P < 0.01). Outcome at 24 months was related to the neonatal brain ultrasound findings, neonatal risk score and total days of supported ventilation. Outcome at 24 months could be predicted (multiple regression analysis) by the performance of postural control at 12 months (P < 0.01).Conclusion: The method to assess functional outcome in preterm infants as described in this study has been proved to be reliable, very useful and practical. Postural control during the first year is very important for later outcome.