Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in head lag across postmenstrual age and define
associations between head lag and (1) perinatal exposures and (2) neurodevelopment. METHOD: Sixty-four infants born </= 30 wk gestation had head
lag assessed before and at term-equivalent age. Neurobehavior was assessed at
term age. At 2 yr, neurodevelopmental testing was conducted. RESULTS: Head lag
decreased with advancing postmenstrual age, but 58%
(n = 37) of infants continued
to demonstrate head lag at term. Head lag was associated with longer stay in the
neonatal intensive care unit (p = .009), inotrope use (p = .04), sepsis (p =
.02), longer endotracheal intubation (p = .01), and cerebral injury (p = .006).
Head lag was related to alterations in early neurobehavior (p < .03), but no
associations with neurodevelopment were found at 2 yr. CONCLUSION: Head lag was
related to medical factors and early neurobehavior, but it may not be a good
predictor of outcome when used in isolation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS