Citation

Lundqvist-Persson C, Lau G, Nordin P, Bona E, Sabel KG. Acta Paediatr. 2012; 101(2): 172-178.

Affiliation

Skaraborg Institute for Research and Development, Skövde, Sweden Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden Department of Pediatrics, Borås Hospital, Borås, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02442.x

PMID

21848854

Abstract

Aim:  To assess the development of preterm infants from 40 weeks gestational age to 18 months corrected age to identify early predictors of later development. Methods:  Fifty-one infants were involved. Infant development was assessed at 40 and 44 weeks gestational age with the Brazelton neonatal behavioral assessment scale and a self-regulation scale and at 3, 6, 10, 18 months corrected age with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The quality of general movements was assessed at 1 and 3 months corrected age and maternal attachment style at infant's age of 6 months corrected age with the Relation Scale Questionnaire. Results:  At term age and 1-month corrected age, preterm infants were less mature and had lower levels of self-regulation than full-term infants. At 3 months corrected age, a higher proportion of preterm infants (43%) had mildly abnormal motor quality compared to the general population (25%). At all follow-ups, preterm infants had delayed mental, motor and behavioural development, which was associated with the level of self-regulation, motor quality and maternal attachment style. Maternal education level was the most predominant background factor related to infant development. Conclusion:  Preterm infants show early-in-life deviations in self-regulation, motor quality and development. These deviations are risk factors for later optimal functioning.

Language: en