Article

AIM: To determine whether neurodevelopmental outcomes at the age of 2 years
accurately predict school readiness in children who survived respiratory distress
syndrome after preterm birth. METHOD: Our cohort included 121 preterm infants who
received surfactant and ventilation and were enrolled in a randomized controlled
study of inhaled nitric oxide for respiratory distress syndrome. Abnormal
outcomes at the age of 2 years were defined as neurosensory disability (cerebral
palsy, blindness, or bilateral hearing loss) or delay (no neurosensory disability
but Bayley Scales of Infant Development mental or performance developmental index
scores <70). School readiness (assessed at a mean age of 5y 6mo, SD 1y) was
determined using neurodevelopmental assessments of motor, sensory, receptive
vocabulary, perceptual, conceptual, and adaptive skills. RESULTS: The mean
birthweight of the cohort (57 males, 64 females) was 987g (SD 374), and the mean
gestational age was 27.3 weeks (SD 2.6). At the age of 2 years, the
neurodevelopmental classification was 'disabled' in 11% and 'delayed' in 23%. At
the age of 5 years 6 months, intensive special education was required for 11% and
some special education for 21%. Disability and delay at the age of 2 years were
92% and 50% predictive of lack of school readiness respectively, whereas only 15%
of children who were normal at the age of 2 years were not school ready at the
later assessment. Children with delay at 2 years were more likely to need special
education if they were socially disadvantaged. INTERPRETATION: Without preschool
developmental supports, preterm survivors living in poverty will require more
special education services.

Langue : ANGLAIS