Predictive Validity of the Premie-Neuro at 3 Months' Adjusted Age and 2 Years' Chronological Age.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to predict which preterm babies are most at risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. A quick, highly predictive assessment tool would aid neonatal clinicians in making decisions about follow-up care.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether performance on the Premie-Neuro in the neonatal intensive care unit predicted neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 months' adjusted age and 24 months' chronological age.

METHODS: Thirty-four preterm infants were administered the Premie-Neuro in the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were assessed using the Infanib and Alberta Infant Motor Scales at 3 months' adjusted age, and using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third edition (Bayley-III) at 24 months' chronological age. Scores were analyzed to determine whether Premie-Neuro performance at less than 37 weeks postmenstrual age was predictive of neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 months' adjusted age and 24 months' chronological age.

RESULTS: Premie-Neuro raw scores were predictive of outcomes at 3 months' adjusted age and 24 months' chronological age. Premie-Neuro classifications were not predictive of Infanib and Alberta Infant Motor Scale classifications at 3 months' adjusted age but were predictive of Bayley-III classification at 24 months' chronological age.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Premie-Neuro raw scores may be used by the clinician to identify infants at risk for neurodevelopmental delays. Premie-Neuro classifications should be interpreted cautiously.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: More research is needed to determine whether the Premie-Neuro may be used as an adjunct to clinical assessment to identify infants who are most at risk for developmental delay.