The neurological examination of non-complicated preterm newborns using the Saint-Anne Dargassies Scale from birth to term.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the maturational development of 20 (aged 32-36 weeks) premature newborns (PNBs) without clinical or neurological complications from birth until term.


METHODS
The Saint-Anne Dargassies Scale was applied every two weeks until the age of 37 weeks.


RESULTS
The PNBs showed normal Apgar and the growth in head circumference was adequate for postmentrual age. The Friedman ANOVA test found a significant difference only for the heel-to-ear angles from birth until term. The Saint-Anne Dargassies Scale detected changes in 11 PNBs and the most altered reflexes were: cardinal points, Moro, cross extension reflexe and automatic walking. These changes were found in the first 48 hours of life and in subsequent weeks until term.


CONCLUSIONS
This finding alone justifies the neurological examination of PNBs, even if they show no clinical/neurological complications in the perinatal period and the importance of neuromotor assessment in preterm infants, as it enables detection and appropriate intervention.
Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
Carla Ismirna Santos
CI
Alves
Aurea Nogueira de
AN
Melo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001034:Apgar Score; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult