Follow-up of pre-term infants: is correction of the developmental quotient for prematurity helpful?

Early Hum Dev. 1984 Feb;9(2):137-44. doi: 10.1016/0378-3782(84)90094-x.

Abstract

Developmental quotients, measured on the Griffiths' scales, of 114 preterm infants of less than 34 wk gestation are compared with abnormal neurological findings at 1 yr of cerebral palsy, dystonia, and motor delay. The developmental quotient (DQ) uncorrected for prematurity more readily distinguishes the abnormal infant than the corrected DQ. It is recommended that while developmental follow-up still uses scales originally standardised on older preterm and full-term infants the uncorrected developmental quotient is also used. Ideally normative data on the preterm infant should be compiled as a basis for assessing development in these infants.

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy / diagnosis
  • Child Development*
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Dystonia / diagnosis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / psychology*
  • Motor Skills