Short-term neurodevelopment and growth outcomes of very and moderate preterm Indian infants

Objective To study the growth and neurodevelopmental outcome of very and moderate preterm infants (VMPT) compared to term appropriate-for-age (term AGA) infants at 18-months corrected age. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutively born 212 VMPT infants and 250 term AGA controls delivered during study period. Outcome measures Major neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) defined as any one of cerebral palsy, motor (MoDQ) or mental developmental quotient (MoDQ) <70 on Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian infants, visual or hearing impairment, or epilepsy, and growth outcomes. Results Among 195 VMPT and 240 term AGA infants who completed follow-up, the frequency of major NDI was 12.8% and 2.5% respectively (RR 5.1; 95% CI [2.13–12.19]). Major NDI was higher among infants <28 weeks gestation (39%) and birthweight <1000 grams (27%). A quarter of VMPT infants exhibited wasting and 18% stunting than 7% each among controls. Conclusion VMPT infants had a higher frequency of major NDI and growth failure at 18-months.