Evaluating preterm infants with the Bayley-III: Patterns and correlates of development

Abstract

This study investigates the Third Edition of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III) and: (1) early patterns of neurodevelopmental performance among preterm infants 8-12 months of age; and (2) correlations between known risk factors and neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants in this cohort. Mean Language Index (LI; 91±15) and Motor Index (MI; 94±17) were significantly lower than the Cognitive Index (CI; 102±15, p<.01). For the majority (53%) of infants, language development was their weakest domain; for another 39%, motor skills were the weakest area of development. Almost one-quarter (22%) of this cohort had mildly delayed language and motor skills, while 7% had significantly delayed language and motor skills. Regression models revealed severely abnormal head ultrasound significantly predicted MI, LI, and CI. Oxygen dependence at discharge predicted CI, LI, and race/ethnicity predicted LI, MI. Results support the addition of the Language Index to the newly revised Bayley-III Scales. Prediction models of developmental performance confirm known neonatal risk factors and reveal sociodemographic risk factors that call for additional research.