Association between neurological signs and developmental outcome: pilot results in preterm group.
OBJECTIVE
To study the correlations between neurological signs and developmental performance, and to analyze the value of neurological signs in identification of developmental disabilities.


METHODS
A group of 26 preterm infants (gestational age from 23 weeks to 36 weeks) was studied. The neurological assessment described by Amiel-Tison and Gosselin was performed at term age and repeated every 3 months up to the age of 2, when the sum of all adverse findings was categorized. According to the nature and associations of neurological and cranial signs, patients were divided into 5 categories: 1) cerebral palsy; 2) minimal cerebral palsy; 3) Amiel-Tison triad; 4) intermediate; and 5) normal. Developmental assessment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second edition, was performed between the age of 2 and 3, and the Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Index was determined.


RESULTS
The developmental performance was highest in the group of children without neurological signs and lowest in the group with cerebral palsy. There was a strong correlation between neurological signs and mental developmental performance (Spearman rho=0.71), while the correlation between neurological signs and psychomotor developmental performance was weaker (Spearman rho=0.54).


CONCLUSIONS
Categorization of neurological assessment and identification of 3 minor neurological signs may be a valuable tool for early detection of children with developmental disabilities.
Paro-Panjan
Darja
D
Neonatal Unit, Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Centre, Vrazov trg 1, 1525, Ljubljana, Slovenia. darja.paro@volja.net
Kodri
Jana
J
Sustersic
Breda
B
D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D047928:Premature Birth