Neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants with very low and extremely low birth weight at two years corrected age

Premature infants born before 32 weeks of gestation with very low and extremely low birth weights are at higher risk for several neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy and sensory, cognitive, and behavioral problems. The more complications are observed in the neonatal period, the higher is the likelihood of long-term complications of prematurity. Studying the factors that influence the outcome of neurological development is the only way to develop better treatment approaches.
Purpose. Assessment of correlations between the brain ultrasonography data in children with very low and extremely low birth weights at birth with perinatal and neonatal risk factors, to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes and neuropsychic disorders at 2 years of corrected age.
Material and methods. The material of the study was premature babies with very low and extremely low birth weights (≤32 weeks, ≤1500 g) who were born and received treatment and care in two large perinatal centers in Yerevan. Neurodevelopmental outcome in children was assessed using the Bayley-III developmental scale at 2 years of age.
Results. 64% of ex-premature babies had completely normal development. 10% had cerebral palsy, 21% of children had a speech delay, 5% developed mental deficiency. Socio-emotional and behavioral problems were more common, especially in the social and practical areas (27% and 25%, respectively). 85.7% of children with motor disorders and 60% of children with speech delay had concomitant behavioral disorders. Deviations in behavior were found in 34.4% of children with normal (mental, motor, speech) development. More than 9% of children had very good results, 2% had a high level of mental development, and 3% — a high level of motor development.
Conclusion. Predictors for the development of motor disorders and cerebral palsy were Grade 2 and 3 intraventricular hemorrhages, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, ventriculomegaly. Ventriculomegaly at term equivalent age, expansion of the extracerebral space and interhemispheric fissure led to combination of cerebral palsy and delayed speech development.

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