title: Abnormal sensory reactivity in preterm infants during the first year correlates with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sensory experience is the basis for learning in infancy. In older children, abnormal sensory reactivity is associated with behavioural and developmental disorders. We hypothesised that in preterm infants, abnormal sensory reactivity during infancy would be associated with perinatal characteristics and correlate with 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective observational study of infants with birth weight ≤1500 g using the Test of Sensory Function in Infants (TSFI) in the first year. Infants with gestational age ≤30 weeks were tested with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III (BSID III) at 24 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 72 participants evaluated at 4-12 months corrected age (median 8 months), 59 (82%) had a least one TSFI score concerning for abnormal sensory reactivity. Lower gestational age was associated with abnormal reactivity to deep pressure and vestibular stimulation (p<0.001). Poor ocular-motor control predicted worse cognitive and motor scores in early childhood (OR 16.7; p=0.004), but was tightly correlated to the presence of severe white matter injury. Poor adaptive motor function in response to tactile stimuli predicted worse BSID III motor (p=0.01) and language scores (p=0.04) at 2 years, even after adjusting for confounders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Abnormal sensory reactivity is common in preterm infants; is associated with immaturity at birth, severe white matter injury and lower primary caregiver education; and predicts neurodevelopmental delays. Early identification of abnormal sensory reactivity of very preterm infants may promote parental support and education and may facilitate improved neurodevelopment.
authors: Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors: Olena
authors: O
authors: Chorna
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors: Jessica E
authors: JE
authors: Solomon
authors: Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors: James C
authors: JC
authors: Slaughter
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors: Ann R
authors: AR
authors: Stark
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors: Nathalie L
authors: NL
authors: Maitre
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D017028:Caregivers; D002657:Child Development; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D066127:White Matter / Q000293:injuries
keywords: Neurodevelopment; Premature infant; Sensory reactivity