Developmental outcome of very preterm babies using an assessment tool deliverable by health visitors

Abstract

Aim: To assess the developmental outcome of very preterm infants using a developmental screening tool deliverable by health visitors. Methods: The study cohort consisted of preterm infants born at <32 weeks gestation or <1500 g. Infants were assessed at 12 and 24 months corrected age using the Schedule of Growing Skills developmental screening test. Scores for skill areas were converted to developmental levels in months and graded as normal or mild, moderate or severe delay. Results: Of 101 infants assessed at 12 months, 12 (12%) had severe developmental delay (developmental level <6months) in one or more skill areas. At 24 months, severe developmental delay (developmental level <12 months) was found in 8 (9.1%) infants. Only 3 infants had severe global delay. However, approximately a third of infants showed mild or moderate delay in hearing and language, social or cognitive skill areas by 24 months. Conclusion: Developmental assessment undertaken by health visitors may be used to measure outcome in preterm infants. Severe developmental delay was at a level consistent with other follow-up studies of very preterm infants. Severe delay was identified by the 12-month check and was mainly in areas of motor function and language. High levels of mild to moderate developmental delay were identified at the 24-month assessment. © 2009 European Paediatric Neurology Society.