The association between growth and neurodevelopment at 2 years in moderate and late preterms.

Abstract

Moderate and late preterm infants (MLPTI, 32 0/7 weeks - 36 6/7 weeks) may be at risk for poor growth and neurodevelopmental delay. This study aimed to assess the association between growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years corrected age (CA) in MLPTI. Anthropometric data were collected prospectively from birth until 2 years CA. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third edition, Dutch version (BSID-III-NL). Multivariable regression analyses were performed with corrections for multiple testing. 100 MLPTI were included (median gestational age 34 2/7; mean birth weight 2267 g (SD 442.5); mean Bayley-III-NL cognitive score 103.1 (SD 10.9)). During hospital admission, for every 1-point increase in Δz-score for weight, cognitive scores increased by 2.6 (95% CI -0.484-5.668, p = 0.097). For every 1-point increase in Δz-score for length, cognitive scores increased by 5.9 (p = 0.025), and language scores increased by 6.5 (p = 0.041). No association was found between post-hospital growth and neurodevelopment at 2 years CA. No significant associations were found between growth in the first 2 years and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years CA. More research is needed to investigate which factors influence growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in MLPTI. This study found no significant associations, but did observe a non-significant positive association between in-hospital growth and higher neurodevelopmental scores at 2 years corrected age (CA). In-hospital growth might have a greater impact on neurodevelopment later in life than growth after term-age. This study adds insight into the influence of early life growth and neurodevelopment in moderate and late preterm infants (MLPTI), a group that has not been extensively studied.