Abstract
Background: Newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams and those with birth asphyxia are particularly vulnerable to multiple complications. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors related to developmental delays in high-risk newborns. Methods: This study included the clinical data of infants with a birth weight of under 2500 grams or an Apgar score of less than 7 at 1 or 5 minutes after birth. Medical records from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020 were included. The actual age of the infants was corrected according to gestational age. Participants with genetic abnormalities (trisomy 21, 18, 13) and congenital brain anomalies (hydrocephalus, encephalocele) were excluded. The Developmental Assessment for Intervention Manual (DAIM) was used during follow-up visits. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the data. Results: Of the 297 patients included, 110 completed the follow-up and 62 infants (56%) had developmental delays. Significant associations with delayed development included maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19 - 9.46), male sex (AOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.24 - 8.44), gestational age below 32 weeks (AOR 33.35, 95% CI 1.39 - 799.87), and neonatal hypoglycemia (AOR 3.81, 95% CI 1.13 - 12.85). Conclusion: Maternal age, male sex, gestational age less than 32 weeks, and neonatal hypoglycemia were all associated risk factors for developmental delays in high-risk infants.
Highlights
Low birth weight is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pediatric condition in which a newborn weighs between 1500 and 2499 grams
Significant associations with delayed development included maternal age, male sex (AOR 3.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 - 8.44), gestational age below 32 weeks (AOR 33.35, 95% CI 1.39 - 799.87), and neonatal hypoglycemia (AOR 3.81, 95% CI 1.13 12.85)
Our findings showed that male sex was associated with significant develop-mental delays (p = 0.017, adjusted OR (AOR) = 3.23, 95% CI = 1.24 - 8.44)
Summary
Low birth weight is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pediatric condition in which a newborn weighs between 1500 and 2499 grams. In Thailand, the Developmental Assessment for Intervention Manual (DAIM) was implemented in 2015, and the development of high-risk newborns was followed up on a regular basis. Newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams and those with birth asphyxia are vulnerable to multiple complications. Significant associations with delayed development included maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19 - 9.46), male sex (AOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.24 - 8.44), gestational age below 32 weeks (AOR 33.35, 95% CI 1.39 - 799.87), and neonatal hypoglycemia (AOR 3.81, 95% CI 1.13 12.85). Conclusion: Maternal age, male sex, gestational age less than 32 weeks, and neonatal hypoglycemia were all associated risk factors for developmental delays in high-risk infants
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