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Extremely preterm infants and risk of developing neurodevelopmental impairment later in childhood

Date:
August 26, 2013
Source:
American Medical Association (AMA)
Summary:
A meta-analysis of previously reported studies examined the rate of moderate to severe and severe neurodevelopmental impairment by gestational age in extremely preterm survivors followed up between ages 4 and 8 years, and determined whether there is a significant difference in impairment rates between the successive weeks of gestation of survivors.
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A meta-analysis of previously reported studies by Gregory P. Moore, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., of The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues examined the rate of moderate to severe and severe neurodevelopmental impairment by gestational age in extremely preterm survivors followed up between ages 4 and 8 years, and determined whether there is a significant difference in impairment rates between the successive weeks of gestation of survivors.

The search of English-language publications found nine studies that met inclusion criteria of being published after 2004, a prospective cohort study, follow-up rate of 65 percent or more, use of standardized testing or classification for impairment, reporting by gestation, and meeting prespecified definitions of impairment. Researchers then extracted data using a structured data collection form and investigators were contacted for data clarification.

According to the study results, all extremely preterm infant survivors have a substantial likelihood of developing moderate to severe impairment. Wide confidence intervals at the lower gestations (eg. at 22 weeks, 43 percent) and high heterogeneity at the higher gestations (eg. at 25 weeks, 24 percent) limit the results. There was a statistically significant absolute decrease in moderate to severe impairment between each week of gestation.

"Knowledge of these data, including the limitations, should facilitate discussion during the shared decision-making process about care plans for these infants, particularly in centers without their own data," the study concludes.


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Materials provided by American Medical Association (AMA). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


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American Medical Association (AMA). "Extremely preterm infants and risk of developing neurodevelopmental impairment later in childhood." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 August 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130826180256.htm>.
American Medical Association (AMA). (2013, August 26). Extremely preterm infants and risk of developing neurodevelopmental impairment later in childhood. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 13, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130826180256.htm
American Medical Association (AMA). "Extremely preterm infants and risk of developing neurodevelopmental impairment later in childhood." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130826180256.htm (accessed December 13, 2024).

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