Abstract
BackgroundThe study is intended to fill the knowledge gap about the neuropsychology and neuromotor developmental outcomes, and identify the perinatal risk factors for late preterm infants (LPIs 34~36 weeks GA) born with uncomplicated vaginal birth at the age of 24 to 30 months.MethodsThe parents/guardians of 102 late preterm infants and 153 term infants, from 14 community health centers participated in this study. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) questionnaire, the Chinese version of Gesell Development Diagnosis Scale (GDDS), and the Sensory Integration Schedule (SIS), a neurological examination for motor disorders (MD) were carried out. Infants screening positive to the M-CHAT were referred to specialist autism clinics.ResultsForty-six LPIs (45.1%) scored low in GDDS. Nine LPIs (8.8%) scored positive on M-Chat. 8.8% of LPIs (9 out of 102) were diagnosed MD (p < 0.05). Compared with their full-term peers, LPIs had statistically lower scores in GDDS and the Child Sensory Integration Checklist. LPIs who had positive results on M-CHAT showed unbalanced abilities in every part of GDDS. Risk factors of twin pregnancies, pregnancy induced hypertension and premature rupture of membranes had negative correlation with GDDS (all p < 0.05). Birth weight and gestational age were positively correlated with GDDS.ConclusionsLPIs shall be given special attention as compared to normal deliveries, as they are at increased risk of neurodevelopment impairment, despite being born with no major problems. Some perinatal factors such as twin pregnancies, and pregnancy induced hypertension etc. have negative effects on their neurodevelopment. Regular neurodevelopmental follow- up and early intervention can benefit their long term outcomes.
Highlights
The study is intended to fill the knowledge gap about the neuropsychology and neuromotor developmental outcomes, and identify the perinatal risk factors for late preterm infants (LPIs 34~36 weeks gestational age (GA)) born with uncomplicated vaginal birth at the age of 24 to 30 months
The aim of this study is to explore the outcomes of neuro-motor and psycho-behavior development among LPIs aged 24~30 months
There was no significant difference between two groups regarding gender, birth weight (BW), delivery mode, and maternal education
Summary
The study is intended to fill the knowledge gap about the neuropsychology and neuromotor developmental outcomes, and identify the perinatal risk factors for late preterm infants (LPIs 34~36 weeks GA) born with uncomplicated vaginal birth at the age of 24 to 30 months. Over the past 2 decades, incidence of late preterm infants (LPIs), defined as those born between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation, have become more prevalent [1]. Other studies found that late preterm birth may be a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, especially at entering school age [9,10,11,12]. The aim of this study is to explore the outcomes of neuro-motor and psycho-behavior development among LPIs aged 24~30 months. There would be significantly higher rate of motor disorders, positive M-CHAT screens and inferior cognition, among LPIs than that of full term infants
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