Article

The aim of this study was to assess the motor repertoire of extremely
low-birthweight infants at term-equivalent age (TEA), in relation to their
neurological outcome. METHOD: Using Prechtl's method, we assessed both the
quality of general movements and a detailed motor optimality score in 13
extremely low-birthweight infants (four males; nine females; mean gestational age
27.9wks, SD 2.9wks; mean birthweight 798g, SD 129g) at TEA, and related them to
general movements at the age of 3 months after term and neurological outcome at
the age of 2 years 6 months. RESULTS: At TEA, 10 of the 13 infants had abnormal
general movements. All infants showed abnormal leg lifting with extended legs;
nine showed stiff movements, three showed cramped movements, and two showed
cramped synchronized general movements. At 3 months, three infants still had
abnormal general movements. Concurrent movements were abnormal in nine infants
owing to monotony and jerkiness. Abnormal posture was seen in seven infants. None
developed cerebral palsy; one infant showed cognitive and motor delay.
Neurological outcome was not related to general movement quality and optimality
score at TEA. INTERPRETATION: Abnormal general movements at TEA are common in
extremely low-birthweight infants. General movements often appear stiff and
cramped with extended legs. At the age of 3 months after term, general movements
are mostly normal, but concurrent movements are not. Nevertheless, these
abnormalities do not imply an impaired neurological outcome such as cerebral
palsy.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2011 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS