Publication:

Pattern of growth and neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm babies born ≤34 weeks of gestation in a South Indian tertiary care hospital

Background Advances in neonatal care since the early days have led to an increase of survival in preterm infants. Developmental sequelae, however are still a major problem mostly because babies who would previously have been expected to die are now surviving due to neonatal intensive care. There is scarcity of data regarding the outcome of prematurity from low and middle-income countries like India in literature.

Methods 140 preterm babies born at or before 34 weeks of gestation were enrolled and followed up for 1 year. All babies were screened for retinopathy of prematurity and hearing impairment. Anthropometric measurements were taken at 40 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months of corrected age. Neurodevelopmental assessment was done using the Bayley scales of infant and toddler development III at 1 year of age.

Results Among 140 preterm babies, 6 babies expired before 1 year. Majority had catch up growth by 1 year of age. Growth and neurodevelopment were inversely proportional to birth weight and gestational age. Incidence of severe ROP requiring intervention was 8.6% and hearing aid was needed in 4%. At 1 year 24% had cognitive delay, 27% had language delay and 29% had motor delay. Intraventricular hemorrhage, culture proven sepsis, shock and DIC in newborn period were strong predictors of neurodevelopmental impairment.

Conclusions Majority of preterm babies showed catch up growth and had good neuro developmental outcome at 1 year of corrected age.