Abstract
Over the last two decades, improvements in perinatology have led to increased survival rates of preterm infants. A large number of studies and meta-analyses have investigated of preterm infants and/or the influence of developmental care. However, the combined influence of the most frequent risk factors and developmental care on the long-term somatic, motor, and cognitive outcome of preterm infants remains unclear. This retrospective, single-center cohort study includes 256 children treated in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Rostock, Germany, between 2008 and 2013. Follow-up examinations (somatic, psychomotor, and mental development) were performed at (corrected) 24 months using Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II). Developmental care was carried out according to the legal framework and national guidelines (physiotherapy and/or early education). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and an exclusive formula feeding showed a 2.8–4.6-fold higher risk (95% Confidence Interval: Mental Developmental Index 1.73–7.58; Psychomotor Developmental Index 1.44–14.54; body length 1.20–6.41) for developmental deficits (mental and psychomotor developmental index; body length). Developmental care after discharge according to national guidelines did not prevent this. Since this is a retrospective pilot study, no recommendations can be made based on this analysis. Therefore, future research should evaluate whether standard developmental care should be extended by tailored measures depending on individual risk factors.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilOver the last two decades, improvements in prenatal, obstetrics, and neonatal care have led to increased survival rates of preterm infants [1,2,3]
We have presented a unique and comprehensive evaluation of a cohort of 256 children born ≤ 1500 g and/or ≤ 32 gestational weeks over a total of two years regarding the influence of different risk factors on somatic, psychomotor, and mental development
This study showed Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and formula feeding as relevant risk factors for a lower development of preterm infants
Summary
Over the last two decades, improvements in prenatal, obstetrics, and neonatal care have led to increased survival rates of preterm infants [1,2,3]. One of the most important and remaining challenges is found in the reduction in both neonatal and long-term morbidity [1,2]. Many studies and meta-analyses have investigated either the somatic, psychomotor, or mental outcome of preterm infants, as well as the association with different risk factors. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies (including 12 randomized controlled trials) with a total of 4984 children and 1416 BPD cases indicated that exclusive feeding with human milk is associated with a significant reduction in BPD risk [6]. A multi-centric study of the German Neonatal iations
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