Early detection of minor neurodevelopmental dysfunctions at age 6 months in prematurely born neonates

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the 6-month neurodevelopmental outcomes of prematurely born neonates and find the determining neonatal factors of minor neurological dysfunctions (MNDs). Study designWe examined data collected prospectively on 151 infants born before 37th week of gestation in 2009–2010 who were assessed at 6months corrected age with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development—2nd Edition (BSID-II) and the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST). ResultsOf 151 neonates born before 37weeks, 20 (13.2%) had MNDs at 6months corrected age. These proportions were 21.6%, 13.2%, and 8.2% for neonates born before 28weeks, 29weeks to 32weeks, and 33weeks to 36weeks, respectively. Half of neonates with MNDs have a birth body weight of less than 1000g. BSID-II and DDST are highly correlated in assessing the MNDs of premature neonates at 6months corrected age. MND was independently associated with postnatal corticosteroid use (odds ratio [OR], 11.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–66.0, P=0.008) and cholestasis (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.16–33.1, P=0.033). ConclusionsPremature neonates, even those born at 33 to 36weeks, are found to have MNDs as early as 6months corrected age by BSID-II and DDST, with risk increasing as gestation decreases.