title: Apparent life-threatening events during infancy: a follow-up study of subsequent growth and development.
abstract: This research was an exploratory follow-up study of 51 infants who had experienced an "apparent life-threatening event" (ALTE) characterized by apnea and subsequent home cardiorespiratory monitoring. The purpose was to (1) describe relationships among perinatal characteristics, birth status, recurrent apnea, and ratings of the home environment, and (2) relate these measures to infant growth and developmental outcomes. The method included home visits and assessments of infant outcomes at 10 to 14 months, followed by retrospective review of obstetric and infant medical records. Perinatal characteristics, birth status, and recurrent apnea were interrelated correlates of both growth and developmental outcomes. The ratings of the home environment (HOME [Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment] Scale) were related to developmental outcomes and to a lesser extent to physical growth status. Hierarchical regression analysis entering gestational age, obstetric and postnatal complications, apnea, and HOME subscale 4 (provision of appropriate play materials) significantly enhanced the predictability of mental and psychomotor development. Future longitudinal research is necessary to explore whether the association between apnea and specific infant outcomes attenuates over time and whether the relationship is direct or mediated by parental perception of infant vulnerability and altered caregiving style.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Nursing 53792.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Baroni
mesh_terms: D001034:Apgar Score; D001049:Apnea / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001724:Birth Weight; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D012931:Social Environment; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000517:prevention & control