[Effects of early neurodevelopmental treatment on motor and cognitive development of critically ill premature infants].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) on motor and cognitive development of critically ill premature infants.

METHODS: There were 203 infants, who were less than 32 week gestational age (GA), with very-low-birth weight, were included in the study. The infants were assigned to NDT group (n = 96) or control group (n = 107) according to the parent's decision. The infants in NDT group received NDT intervention once per week from corrected age (CA) 1 month to 3 months, and 3 to 5 times per week in the following 9 months. NDT intervention included elongation, establishing alignment, optimizing base of support, facilitation and inhibition, stimulation for activating muscle activity. Both groups received family intervention, such as massage and exercise based on early education. Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) score was assessed at 3,6,9,12 months CA for all the infants.

RESULTS: NDT intervention achieved significant effects on motor and cognitive development. Mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development index (PDI) of BSID-II were significant higher in NDT group (P < 0.05). Cerebral palsy was finally diagnosed in 15 children in NDT group (16.67%) and 12 (12.12%) in control group at 12 months CA, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: NDT intervention can improve motor and cognitive development in critically ill premature infants within 12 months CA.