Development deficit risks in the late premature newborn: Evaluation at 48 months using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires ®

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Lack of specific monitoring protocols hinders understanding of the impact of late prematurity on delayed psychomotor development. The objective of this study is to evaluate this development at 48 months and compare it with infants born at term. Population and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 90 late preterm (LP) and 89 term (HT) healthy children at 48 months, assessed by the Ages & Stages Questionnaires ® (ASQ-3). Continuous variables were analysed using the Student's t test for independent samples and described in terms of mean and standard deviation. The categorical variables were analysed using the chi-square test of independence and described in terms of frequency and proportion. ROC analysis was performed to determine the ASQ-3 cut-off value for risk of development deficit. A step-wise logistic regression model identified the associated risk factors. Results The mean scores for each domain and overall ASQ-3 score showed no differences between groups. However, when analyzing the probability density for the ASQ-3 total score of ≤251 points, 15 LP (16.6%) and 4 AT (4.5%) showed risk of psychomotor deficits, and late prematurity and lack of breastfeeding were significantly associated factors. Conclusions There is an increased prevalence of risk of development deficit in LP infants, which justifies considering this population at risk and establishing effective monitoring programmes. It should be further investigated whether this risk corresponds to the entire population, or if biological factors or perinatal history can increase vulnerability.