Functional measures on PEDI are associated with BSID-3 scales at 2 years, following neonatal surgery

Abstract

BackgroundNeonates requiring early surgical intervention for major non-cardiac congenital anomalies are at high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early recognition of potential neuro-developmental delay is critical to facilitate access to early childhood intervention services and therefore maximise the functional capabilities of these children. AimsThis study aims to compare Bayley's Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-3) and the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) as early screening tools in predicting neuro-developmental disability across multiple domains. In addition, it looks at determining which pre, peri and post-operative risk factors lend themselves to more adverse outcomes. Study designRetrospective cohort study. SubjectsNeonates requiring surgical intervention at the Royal Children's Hospital from 2012 to 2018 who subsequently underwent neurodevelopmental assessment at 2 years of age. Outcome measuresThe main outcome was the relationship between performance on the PEDI compared with the BSID-3, in 2-year-olds following neonatal surgery. ResultsParent -reported functional measures across all domains on PEDI strongly related to the more formal measures of cognition, language, and motor development assessed on BSID-3 (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe questionnaire-based PEDI tool could be considered a reliable replacement to the formal Bayley (BSID-3) scale in low-risk infants and provide a more accessible means of assessment where there are deficiencies in availability of suitably trained clinicians or limited resource centres.