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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Apr 1;23(2):E50-E58.
doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000001046. Epub 2022 Nov 21.

Exploring Effect of Postdischarge Developmental Support Program on Preterm Infant Neurodevelopment and BDNF Gene DNA Methylation

Jun Zhang  1 , Mi Cao, Shaoting Yue, Jingmin Yan, Yanyan Shang
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Exploring Effect of Postdischarge Developmental Support Program on Preterm Infant Neurodevelopment and BDNF Gene DNA Methylation

Jun Zhang et al. Adv Neonatal Care. .

Abstract

Background: Although developmental supportive care is an effective approach to improve the long-term psychomotor and/or neurobehavioral function of preterm infants, very limited studies have focused on the impact of after-discharge developmental support. The underlying epigenetic changes are unclear.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the preliminary effect of an evidence-based Postdischarge Developmental Support Program (PDSP) on preterm infant neurodevelopment and underlying epigenetic changes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene-related DNA methylation and expression.

Methods: In this randomized controlled pilot trial, the preterm infant-parent dyads were randomized into either the intervention group/PDSP group (n = 22) or the control group/usual care group (n = 22). The neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants were measured by Ages & Stages Questionnaires. Urine BDNF concentration level was tested by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Infant saliva specimens were collected to analyze the methylation level of BDNF gene promoter I at pre- and postintervention test.

Results: After PDSP intervention, the total neurodevelopmental and the 5 domain scores of the PDSP group were all significantly higher than those of the control group ( P < .05). The BDNF levels decreased significantly only within control group ( P = .01). The difference in BDNF concentration and methylation levels between groups was not statistically significant.

Implications for practice and research: Postdischarge Developmental Support Program may promote the neurodevelopment of preterm infants but has no effect on BDNF's expression and gene methylation level at 3 months of corrected age. The epigenetic mechanism of PDSP needs further study using a larger sample and longer follow-up.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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