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. 2021 Sep;41(9):2270-2278.
doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-00999-7. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

The relationship of neurodevelopmental impairment to concurrent early childhood outcomes of extremely preterm infants

Matthew A Rysavy  1 , Tarah T Colaizy  2 , Carla M Bann  3 , Sara B DeMauro  4 , Andrea F Duncan  4 , Jane E Brumbaugh  5 , Myriam Peralta-Carcelen  6 , Heidi M Harmon  2 , Karen J Johnson  2 , Susan R Hintz  7 , Betty R Vohr  8 , Edward F Bell  2 ; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Affiliations

The relationship of neurodevelopmental impairment to concurrent early childhood outcomes of extremely preterm infants

Matthew A Rysavy et al. J Perinatol. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: Determine how neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) relates to concurrent outcomes for children born extremely preterm.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study children born 22 0/7-26 6/7 weeks' gestation at NICHD Neonatal Research Network hospitals. Outcomes were ascertained at 18-22 months' corrected age.

Result: Of 6562 children, 2618 (40%) died and 441 (7%) had no follow-up. Among the remaining 3483 children, 825 (24%), 1576 (45%), 657 (19%), and 425 (12%) had no, potential/mild, moderate, and severe NDI, respectively. Rehospitalization, respiratory medications, surgery, and medical support services were associated with greater NDI severity but affected >10% of children without NDI. Rehospitalization occurred in 40% of children with no NDI (mean (SD): 1.7 (1.3) episodes).

Conclusion: Medical, functional, and social outcomes at 18-22 months' corrected age were associated with NDI; however, many children without NDI were affected. These data should contribute to counseling families and the design of studies for childhood outcomes beyond NDI.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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