Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants and Importance of Early Developmental Interventions

Abstract

Advances in obstetric and neonatal care have decreased preterm mortality rates. But neurodevelopmental problems have increased in survivors, especially in extremely preterm infants. Preterm infants have greater risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities compared to full-term infants. Common long-term adverse outcomes after extreme prematurity include intellectual disability and cerebral palsy. Moderately preterm children have more scholastic problems, more cognitive difficulties and increased behavioural problems compared with term-born children. Multi-faceted early developmental interventions are essential to prevent the high rate of neurodevelopmental problems in preterm children. Early parent-training intervention is associated with better outcomes in preterm children, especially for domains related to language and socio-emotional functioning. Early developmental interventions given to preterm infants have long-lasting positive effects on improving physical well-being and quality of life.