39 DELAYED MOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN PREMATURE INFANTS WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA

Abstract

Attrition in neuromuscular capabilities may result from an inability to use muscles in infancy. To study motor development in infants after immobility associated with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), we studied three matched groups of infants: 1. respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and BPD (N=6); 2. RDS(N=6); 3. no neonatal pulmonary disease (N=6). Since we wished to evaluate the effects of prolonged pulmonary disease, we excluded infants with intracranial hemorrhage. There were no differences among the groups with respect to birthweight, gestational age, current weight or length, mean Apgar score at 1 or 5 min. or parental educational level. Assessments were at a mean age of 20 months (range 16-22) and were corrected for degree of prematurity. Resting respiratory rates were increased in the BPD group. Neuromuscular assessment utilized the Gesell Fine and Gross Motor Scales, the Barnes-Crutchfield-Herzia Reflex Scale and an adaptation of the Prechl Muscle Tone Assessment, and were administered without knowledge of patient grouping. There were no significant differences in muscle tone or reflex behavior among the three groups. There was, however, a significant delay in both gross and fine motor development in the BPD group. BPD infants have delayed motor development unrelated to abnormal muscle tone or reflexes when compared to their premature peers.