The evaluation of psychomotor development in preterm infants

The aim of this study was to assess psychomotor development of very-low-birth-weight infants.
Material and methods. A prospective study was carried out in the Clinic of Neonatology, Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital. Two groups of infants were selected: the study group consisted of 79 preterm infants treated in the Clinic of Neonatology; the control group consisted of 31 term infants. Psychomotor development of the infants was evaluated five times at the age of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.
Results. The results showed that at the age of 1 month, a significantly delayed psychomotor development was noted in 15.2% of preterm infants and in none of term infants; moderately delayed development – in 25.3% of preterm infants and in none of term infants; normal – in 54.4% and 90.3%, respectively; and accelerated development – 5.1% and 9.7%, respectively. At the age of 12 months, 21.8% of preterm infants and none of term infants showed a significantly delayed psychomotor development; 26.9% of study group patents and none in control group – moderately delayed development; 51.3% and 93.5%, respectively – normal development; and 6.5% and none, respectively – accelerated development.
Conclusion. Psychomotor development of preterm infants is retarded during all first year of life.