Maternal depression is associated with mother-infant interaction in preterm infants.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the background factors of maternal depressive symptoms and their relation to the quality of mother-infant interaction in a group of preterm infants and their mothers. METHODS: The signs of maternal depression were evaluated in 125 mothers of very preterm infants (birth weight < or = 1500 g or < 32 gestational weeks) at 6 months of infant's corrected age using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The association between maternal depressive symptoms and the quality of mother-infant interaction as assessed by the parent child early relational assessment method (PCERA) method was studied at 6 and 12 months of corrected age in 32 preterm infants who were their mothers' firstborn infants and singletons. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression assessed by EPDS in mothers of very preterm infants was 12.6%. Most interestingly, the number of postnatal signs of depression associated negatively with the quality of the maternal interaction behaviour with their preterm infants. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that maternal depression may be a risk factor in the development of the mother-infant relationship between preterm infants and their mothers. Therefore, it would be important to identify signs of depression in mothers of preterm infants to offer early support.     

Interaction between mothers and infants born at risk during the first six months of corrected age

Abstract The effects of preterm birth and the perinatal infant health condition on mother-infant interactions were analysed in 278 mother-infant pairs, divided into four groups according to infants' gestational age at birth: group 1. 23–31 weeks; group 2,32–36 weeks; group 3, 37–42 weeks; and group 4, a control group of healthy full-term infants. The methodological approach was based on observation of the pairs at 2,4 and 6 months of infants" corrected age (± 1 week) during undressing of the infant and face-to-face interaction. It was found that mother-infant pairs with preterm infants (groups 1 and 2) did not differ in interactional variables from those of the control group. On the other hand, the birth of a full-term infant in need of neonatal intensive care (group 3) affected maternal and infant interactive behaviour. Additionally, infants from group 3 did not show stability in their interactive behaviour between any ages of measurement. This result suggests that interactive behaviour of full-term infants in need of neonatal intensive care are rather unpredictable during their first 6 months of life, which might have contributed to the less optimal interactive pattern observed for their mothers compared with mothers of the control group.     

晚期早产儿早期智能发育结局的研究

目的探讨晚期早产儿(LPI)早期智能发育结局。方法选择2012年1月至2015年1月新生儿病房收治的出生胎龄34~36+6周、治愈出院并定期规律随访的106例早产儿为晚期早产儿组;随机抽取同期120例健康足月儿(FPI)为对照组。对校正年龄40周的晚期早产儿及40周龄的足月儿进行新生儿神经行为测定(NBNA),晚期早产儿校正龄3、6、12月龄或者足月儿3、6、12月龄时采用Gesell发育量表进行评估。结果 LPI组NBNA评分低于37分,低于FTI组(P0.05)。校正龄3月龄时,LPI组大运动、精细运动、个人社交落后于FTI组(P0.05);校正龄6月龄时,LPI组适应性、大运动、精细运动落后于FTI组(P0.05);校正年龄12月龄时,LPI组适应性、大运动、个人社交测评明显低于FTI组(P0.05)。结论晚期早产儿早期智能发育迟缓,需加强神经发育监测。     

单胎濒死儿发生的围生期危险因素分析（英文翻译）

目的 研究早产儿校正18~24月龄时的体格生长和神经发育水平。 方法 利用早产儿出院后随访系统,前瞻性收集2018年4月—2021年12月在暨南大学附属深圳市宝安区妇幼保健院定期随访的484例早产儿校正18~24月龄的体格生长数据和神经发育评估数据。219例足月儿作为对照。采用儿童神经心理行为检查量表2016版评估神经发育水平。根据胎龄分组（超早产儿组、极早产儿组、中期早产儿组、晚期早产儿组和足月儿组）,比较各组体格生长和神经发育水平。 结果 除中期早产儿组年龄别身长Z值高于足月儿组（P=0.038）,其余各早产儿组的体格生长指标与足月儿组比较差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。各早产儿组总发育商（developmental quotient,DQ）均低于足月儿组（均P<0.05）;除社会行为能区外,超、极早产儿组其他各能区DQ均低于足月儿组（均P<0.05）;胎龄<32周早产儿全面发育迟缓发生率（16.7%）显著高于足月儿组（6.4%）（P=0.012）,全面发育迟缓发生率有随着胎龄减小而升高的趋势（P=0.026）。 结论 早产儿校正18~24月龄时体格生长可完成追赶,但神经发育水平落后于足月儿,应特别重视胎龄<32周早产儿的神经发育监测及早期干预。     

Motor trajectories from 4 to 18 months corrected age in infants born at less than 30 weeks of gestation

Background

Preterm infants are recognised as developing at a significantly slower rate than their full-term peers and with different movement quality.

Aim

This study aimed to describe the longitudinal gross motor trajectories of these infants in the first 18 months of (corrected) age and investigate factors associated with gross motor development.

Study design

A longitudinal study was conducted with convenience samples of 58 preterm infants born ≤ 29 weeks of gestation and 52 control full-term infants in Australia.

Outcome measures

The infants were assessed at 4, 8, 12 and 18 months of (corrected) age using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS).

Results

Forty-six preterm and 48 control infants completed all four assessments. The preterm group scored significantly lower on various sub-scores at all age levels. Almost half of the preterm infants demonstrated less progression in the sit sub-scale from 4 to 8 months (corrected) age, possibly due to an imbalance between flexor and extensor strength in the trunk. At 12 and 18 months of (corrected) age, lack of rotation and fluency in their movements were evident in some preterm infants. Presence of intra-ventricular haemorrhage and chronic lung disease were associated with poor motor performance at 4 months and use of postnatal steroids was associated with poor motor performance at 4, 8 and 18 months of corrected age.

Conclusion

The imbalance between flexor and extensor muscle strength in preterm infants had a stronger impact on motor development than usually expected. The AIMS appears to be a sensitive assessment tool to demonstrate the unique movement characteristics in this preterm cohort.     

Crying behaviour in early infancy is associated with developmental outcome at two years of age in very low birth weight infants

AIM: To evaluate the association between infant fussing and crying and developmental outcome in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: Hundred and seventeen VLBW infants were followed up to 24 months of corrected age. The duration of fussing and crying and frequency of fuss/cry bouts were measured at term 6 weeks and 5 months of corrected age. Cognitive and motor development was assessed at 24 months of corrected age. RESULTS: The increased duration of combined fuss/cry at term associated with lower psychomotor developmental index (PDI), [regression coefficient (b)=-0.83, p=0.025]. Crying at term associated negatively with mental developmental index (MDI) (b=-0.91, p=0.040) and PDI (b=-1.10, p=0.015). The associations between fuss/cry and PDI, and crying and PDI persisted in multiple regression analysis (b=-0.89, p=0.030 and b=-1.23, p=0.018, respectively). Excessive fuss/cry (>or=180 min/day) at term associated with lower PDI (p=0.005) and at 6 weeks with lower MDI (p=0.024) and PDI (p=0.012). Increase in the frequency of fuss/cry bouts at 5 months associated with higher PDI in both simple (b=2.90, p=0.045) and in multiple regression analysis (b=3.60, p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: In VLBW infants, longer duration of fussing and crying in very early infancy, but not at 5 months, is associated with less optimal development at 24 months of age.     

The breathing bear: an intervention for crying babies and their mothers

The Breathing Bear, an optional source of rhythmic stimulation for infants, was investigated for its effects on full-term infants and their mothers. The Bear "breathes" like a normal infant at a rate matching the infant's. Previous studies have indicated that premature infants prefer a Breathing Bear over a Non-Breathing Bear, and they show neurobehavioral benefits from the exposure. A Breathing Bear was provided for 35 full-term infants, and a Non-Breathing Bear was provided for 37 infants from 5 weeks to 6 months postnatal age, all of whom were considered by their mothers to be fussy. Mothers' reports of infant crying, ratings of their infants' temperament, and their own stress and depression were assessed during and after the intervention period. Reported crying did not differentiate the groups. After 6 months, the mothers in the Breathing Bear group rated their infant's temperament less negatively and themselves less depressed and stressed than the mothers in the Non-Breathing Bear group. Thus, the Breathing Bear had measurable effects on the mothers and a possible impact on the mother-infant relationship.     

Preterm infants' early developmental status is associated with later developmental outcome

Aim: To assess the development of preterm infants from 40 weeks gestational age to 18 months corrected age to identify early predictors of later development. Methods: Fifty‐one infants were involved. Infant development was assessed at 40 and 44 weeks gestational age with the Brazelton neonatal behavioral assessment scale and a self‐regulation scale and at 3, 6, 10, 18 months corrected age with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The quality of general movements was assessed at 1 and 3 months corrected age and maternal attachment style at infant’s age of 6 months corrected age with the Relation Scale Questionnaire. Results: At term age and 1‐month corrected age, preterm infants were less mature and had lower levels of self‐regulation than full‐term infants. At 3 months corrected age, a higher proportion of preterm infants (43%) had mildly abnormal motor quality compared to the general population (25%). At all follow‐ups, preterm infants had delayed mental, motor and behavioural development, which was associated with the level of self‐regulation, motor quality and maternal attachment style. Maternal education level was the most predominant background factor related to infant development. Conclusion: Preterm infants show early‐in‐life deviations in self‐regulation, motor quality and development. These deviations are risk factors for later optimal functioning.     

Dietary zinc intake and growth during infancy

Energy, protein, zinc intake, and weight and length were monitored at 3, 6, and 12 months in 50 preterm infants (corrected for gestational age) (mean birthweight, 1,054 +/- 234 g; mean gestation, 29 +/- 2.5 weeks) and 60 full-term infants (mean birthweight, 3,509 +/- 269 g; mean gestation, 40 +/- 1 weeks). Mean energy and protein intake (per kilogram body weight) was higher (p less than 0.05) for the preterm infants at all times and met the recommended levels for preterm infants. No significant differences in zinc intake (per kilogram body weight) between the two groups existed, and at 3 months, mean zinc intake in the preterm group (per kilogram body weight) was below the recommended level for full-term infants. At no time were the growth percentiles of the preterm group equal to those of the full-term group. Multiple regression equations predicting length at 3 months and weight at 12 months for all the infants were significant, the significant variables being length at birth and zinc intake (milligrams per day) at 3 months, and weight at birth and dietary zinc intake (milligrams per day) at 12 months, respectively. Results indicate that zinc intake played a more important role in explaining the length at 3 months and weight at 12 months than did any other variables, including intakes of protein and energy, gestational age, socioeconomic index of the father, midparent height, sex, and age of introduction of solid foods. Results thus support the suggestion that infants, especially those born prematurely, are at risk for inadequate intake of dietary zinc.     

Early prediction of neurological outcome by term neurological examination and cranial ultrasound in very preterm infants

Aim: To assess the value of term neurological examination and cranial ultrasound in the early prediction of neurological outcome at 12 months corrected age in a cohort of very preterm infants.
Methods: A cohort of 102 preterm infants born at <32 weeks gestation or with a birth weight of <1500 g were assessed using the Hammersmith Term Neurological Examination. They underwent cranial ultrasound examinations according to local guidelines. The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination was performed at 12 months corrected age. Scores for the term examinations were compared with scores derived from healthy infants born at term and with scores from low-risk preterm infants at term equivalent age. Term neurological scores and cranial ultrasound findings were compared in the prediction of 12-month neurological outcome.
Results: Seventy-eight (76.5%) preterm infants had suboptimal total neurological scores at term when compared to healthy infants born at term. However, most went on to have optimal neurological scores at 12 months corrected age. When our cohort was compared with low-risk preterm infants at term equivalent age only 14 (13.7%) scored outside the normal range. Neither system of scoring predicted neurological outcome at 12 months corrected age as reliably as cranial ultrasound (sensitivity 0.83, specificity 0.87).
Conclusion: Neurological examination of preterm babies at term may be unreliable in the prediction of neurological outcome at 12 months corrected age. For early prediction of neurological outcome cranial ultrasound examination was found to be more reliable.     

Increased carrying reduces infant crying: a randomized controlled trial

The crying pattern of normal infants in industrialized societies is characterized by an overall increase until 6 weeks of age followed by a decline until 4 months of age with a preponderance of evening crying. We hypothesized that this "normal" crying could be reduced by supplemental carrying, that is, increased carrying throughout the day in addition to that which occurs during feeding and in response to crying. In a randomized controlled trial, 99 mother-infant pairs were assigned to an increased carrying or control group. At the time of peak crying (6 weeks of age), infants who received supplemental carrying cried and fussed 43% less (1.23 v 2.16 h/d) overall, and 51% less (0.63 v 1.28 hours) during the evening hours (4 PM to midnight). Similar but smaller decreases occurred at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age. Decreased crying and fussing were associated with increased contentment and feeding frequency but no change in feeding duration or sleep. We conclude that supplemental carrying modifies "normal" crying by reducing the duration and altering the typical pattern of crying and fussing in the first 3 months of life. The relative lack of carrying in our society may predispose to crying and colic in normal infants.     

Longitudinal study of sleep behavior and motor development in low-birth-weight preterm children from infancy to preschool years

ObjectiveTo verify the relationship between sleep characteristics and motor development in low-birth-weight preterm infants during infancy and preschool years.MethodForty-one healthy preterm infants (<37 weeks’ gestation) with low birth weight (≤1500 g) were assessed longitudinally at three different time points: at 6 months of corrected age, at 12 months of corrected age, and at 4–5 years of chronological age. At 6 and 12 months, motor development was assessed using the Denver Developmental Screening Test II and Alberta Infant Motor Scale, while sleep-related habits and disturbances were assessed using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. At 4–5 years, motor development was reassessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and sleep was reassessed using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Correlations were performed using sleep quality as the predictor variable and motor development as the outcome variable.ResultsMost infants had suspected delay/atypical development at 6 and 12 months, with no difference between the scales (p = 1.000). Suspected delay/atypical development were associated with lateral sleep position (p = 0.004), greater number of nighttime awakenings (p = 0.008), and longer awake periods (p = 0.014) only at 6 months. At 4–5 years, the suspected delay/atypical development observed at 6 and 12 months disappeared.ConclusionsSleep quality correlated with delayed/atypical motor development in healthy preterm infants with low birth weight only at 6 months of corrected age, which did not appear to affect later development of motor skills.     

Psychopathology among preterm infants using the Diagnostic Classification Zero to Three

Aim:  To compare the prevalence of psychopathology in infants born preterm with matched full-term infants at the corrected age of 1 year.
Methods:  Between June 2003 and April 2005, a case-control longitudinal cohort study was conducted at the neonatal unit of the University Hospital of Antwerp, Belgium. We prospectively enrolled 123 live-born infants between 25 and 35 weeks of gestation and/or infants with a birth-weight of <1500 g. Thirty full-term infants were recruited among day care centres in the region. Diagnoses were based on the Diagnostic Classification Zero to Three (DC: 0–3), using the MacArthur Communicative Developmental Inventory Dutch version, Infant–Toddler Sensory Profile, Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, Parent Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale and Functional Emotional Assessment Scale.
Results:  At the (corrected) age of 12 months, 89 infants were eligible for follow-up and complete data were available for 69 (77%) infants. Fifty-four percentage of the preterm infants fulfilled one or more DC 0–3 diagnoses. Premature infants had significantly more diagnoses than full-term infants on axis I, axis III and axis V of the DC: 0–3.
Conclusion:  In this study, the prevalence of psychopathology was significantly higher among preterm infants in comparison with full-term infants. This study did not confirm previous findings of higher rates of relationship disorders among preterm infants.     

MRI和DTI评价早产儿脑白质髓鞘发育

目的 应用磁共振(MRI)、磁共振弥散张量成像(DTI)研究早产儿脑白质髓鞘发育的特点。方法 胎龄≤32周、出生体重<1 500 g的31例早产儿根据头部MRI检查分为早产脑损伤组(12例)和早产无脑损伤组(19例)。选取24例足月儿作为对照组。均于胎龄或纠正胎龄37~40周之间完成头部MRI及DTI检查。测定3组相同感兴趣区的部分各向异性参数(FA)和表观扩散系数(ADC)。结果 早产脑损伤组内囊后肢FA值小于早产无脑损伤组和足月对照组 (P < 0.05);早产脑损伤组和早产无脑损伤组的额叶白质和豆状核的FA值小于足月对照组 (P < 0.05);3组间枕叶白质的FA值差异无显著性 (P > 0.05)。早产脑损伤组和早产无脑损伤组内囊后肢、豆状核、枕叶白质、额叶白质的ADC值高于足月对照组 (P < 0.05)。结论 早产儿脑损伤容易出现内囊后肢深部脑白质髓鞘化障碍或延迟。早产儿至纠正胎龄足月时,无论有无脑损伤,脑周围白质及灰质成熟度均低于足月儿。     

早产儿脑额叶发育及其影响因素的研究

目的 应用三维超声技术探讨早产儿脑额叶发育及其影响因素.方法 选取222例无严重脑损伤的早产儿,应用三维超声对额叶体积进行测量.随访中分别在矫正年龄至40周、1个月、3个月、6个月及以后的时间进行全面的神经系统及体格发育检查,6个月内进行体积跟踪测定.结果 早产儿出生时额叶体积随胎龄的增加而增长.生后出现追赶性生长,在矫正年龄40周及1个月时增长最为迅速,达到甚至超过了足月儿,在以后的生长中逐渐落后于正常足月儿.早产儿成熟度越低,额叶体积越小,矫正年龄40周及以后的时间点,各组额叶体积数值相当,组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).宫内外营养情况较差的早产儿额叶体积的生长始终落后于生长发育正常的早产儿(P＜0.05).额叶体积生长严重落后的早产儿出现神经发育重度异常的几率较正常早产儿明显升高(50%).结论 早产儿额叶体积随胎龄增长而增加,生后短期内出现追赶性生长,宫内外营养状况影响额叶发育,体积测定值的异常与神经发育异常有关.     

Kinematic quality of reaching movements in preterm infants

Many preterm infants may experience so-called minor developmental disorders; however, in general, the problems in motor behavior are not detected until school age. To introduce therapies aimed at the prevention of these problems, we need to increase our knowledge of motor function and dysfunction at early age. The present study focused on the organization of reaching movements in full-term and preterm infants without cerebral palsy. The reaching behavior of premature infants (n = 63) was assessed longitudinally at the corrected ages of 4 and 6 mo. Clinical assessments were made at 6 and 12 mo of age. On the basis of the infant's morbidity during the early stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, the preterm infants were allocated into a high-risk and a low-risk group. Results from a previous study in full-term infants (n = 13) were included. Kinematics of reaching movements in supine position were measured, and the analysis focused on movement velocity and movement units. A compound parameter of kinematic variables was created, reflecting the quality of reaching movements. The present study showed that at the age of 4 mo, low-risk preterm infants showed more often optimal reaching behavior than full-term and preterm high-risk infants. This better reaching performance was related to a better general motor and behavioral development during the first year of life. At the age of 6 mo, the advantage of the low-risk group in reaching behavior had disappeared and a disadvantage in the form of nonoptimal reaching behavior of the high-risk group emerged.     

A controlled trial of skin-to-skin contact in extremely preterm infants

BACKGROUND: Extremely preterm birth, even in the absence of significant neurological impairment, is associated with altered pain responses and impaired memory and behaviour. Preterm birth increases the risk of maternal depression and may impede the development of the mother-infant relationship, factors that in turn are also associated with impaired infant outcome. Mother-infant skin-to-skin contact has been recommended as a simple means of ameliorating these effects. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic, prospective, controlled, intention-to-treat trial in two neonatal intensive care units. Infants born below 32 weeks gestation were recruited within the first week after birth and assigned to a control group receiving standard care, or an intervention group in which mothers were encouraged to provide a session of skin-to-skin contact once daily for 4 weeks. We assessed infant behaviour at time of discharge from hospital, responses to immunisation at 4 and 12 months of age, and memory, behaviour and development at 1 year corrected (postmenstrual) age. Indices of maternal depression, stress, anxiety, lactation performance and infant interaction were assessed at time of infant discharge, 4 months and 1 year. RESULTS: No significant difference was identified in any infant or maternal measure at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Mother-infant skin-to-skin contact after extremely preterm birth results in neither benefit nor adverse consequences. Although there is no reason to dissuade mothers who wish to provide STS contact, we are unable to recommend resource allocation for the implementation of STS programmes for extremely preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit setting.     

Postnatal growth failure in preterm infants: recovery of growth and body composition after term

BACKGROUND: Many preterm infants are significantly growth restricted at hospital discharge and are at increased risk for long-term growth failure. AIMS: To compare growth and weight gain composition after term between preterm infants who were growth retarded and those who were not. STUDY DESIGN: An observational longitudinal study was conducted. SUBJECTS: 35 preterm infants who showed growth retardation at term (group 1) and 26 preterm infants who did not (group 2). OUTCOME MEASURES: Growth and body composition were assessed at term and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months of corrected age. RESULTS: At term, and at 1, 2, and 3 months of corrected age, growth-retarded infants showed significantly lower body weight and fat mass than infants who did not develop growth retardation. The mean energy and protein intakes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Daily increases in body weight and fat mass between term and three months did not differ between the groups. However, during the fourth and fifth months, daily gains of body weight and fat mass were significantly greater in growth-retarded than in non-growth-retarded infants, and as a result, body weight and fat mass were comparable between the two groups at 4 and 5 months of corrected age. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of growth parameters and body composition, growth-retarded preterm infants recovered from postnatal growth failure within the fourth month of corrected age.     

Acoustic quality of cry in very-low-birth-weight infants at the age of 1 1/2 years

BACKGROUND: Infant cry characteristics reflect the integrity of the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that preterm infants and infants with neurological conditions have different cry characteristics such as fundamental frequency compared to healthy full-term infants. Cry characteristics of preterm infants after the first year of life have not been studied. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of cry in 1 1/2-year-old very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWI, < or =1500 g at birth). STUDY SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: Study groups included 21 VLBWI and 25 healthy full-term controls. Thirty seconds of pain cry after vaccination was recorded at well-baby clinics. The first cry utterance was acoustically analyzed using Praat software. The quality of cry was compared between the groups. In addition, the association of cry quality to patient characteristics, to developmental outcome, and to findings in brain imaging studies of the VLBWI was studied. RESULTS: The cry response was elicited in 20 of the 21 VLBWI and in 20 out of 25 full-term infants. VLBWI had higher minimum fundamental frequency and fourth formant values. Patient characteristics that were associated with cry quality were 5-min Apgar scores, the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Bayley Psychomotor Index scores at 12 months, and current weight and head circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Differences found between the study groups were not explained primarily by brain pathology or by patient characteristics, so it seems that prematurity has an impact on cry quality still at the age of 1 1/2 years.     

Temperament in full-term and preterm infants: stability over ages 6 to 24 months

Temperament stability over successive ages in the first 2 years of life was evaluated for 109 full-term and 81 preterm infants who were assessed at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. At each age, the infant was engaged in a series of age-appropriate vignettes in the laboratory, using a structured sequence of activities. Ratings were made of emotional tone, attentiveness, activity, and orientation to staff. Correlations indicated that, for full-term infants, there was significant stability across ages (6 to 9 months, 9 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, and 18 to 24 months) for all variables. For preterm infants, stability across ages generally was not observed until later infancy, or was sporadic. The findings indicated that, for full-term infants, stable aspects of temperament were apparent during the first year of life. In contrast, individual differences were not as clearly defined for preterm infants until later ages.