|
|||||
|
|
Psychopathology among preterm infants using the Diagnostic Classification Zero to Three |
|
| Authors: | A Janssens K Uvin H Van Impe SMF Laroche P Van Reempts D Deboutte |
| Institution: | Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; ZNA University Centre Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Developmental Disorders, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium |
| Abstract: | 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. |
| Keywords: | Preterm infants Psychopathology Screening |