Neuromotor Development Evaluation of Preterm Babies Less than 34 Weeks of Gestation with Bayley III at 18-24 Months

OBJECTIVES: To assess and evaluate the risk factors affecting the neuromotor development of preterm babies at corrected age 18 to 24 months. METHODS: Preterm babies ≤ 34 weeks of gestational age (GA) who were born in our hospital between 2011 and 2014 were prospectively included in the study. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal features of the babies were recorded. Bayley Scales of Infants and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III), was applied at corrected age 18 to 24 months. RESULTS: All data of 96 babies were obtained during the study, mean birth weight was 1542 ± 518 g, and mean corrected age was 20.9 ± 4.7 months. Cerebral palsy was found in 11 babies (11.5%). According to Bayley III scores, 13.5% cognitive delay, 19.8% language delay, and 33.3% motor delay rations were detected. A positive correlation was found between GA and motor composite scores (p = 0.011). The mean motor composite score was lower in babies with the Apgar score less than 7 at 1st and 5th minutes (p = 0.007 and p = 0.003) and applied resuscitation in the delivery room (p = 0.033). The mean language composite score was found to be higher in babies with antenatal steroid administration (p = 0.003). A negative correlation was found between the motor composite score and the oxygen treatment time and mechanical ventilation support time (p = 0.001 and p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In preterm babies less than 34 weeks, the birth weight, GA, Apgar score, oxygen treatment time, mechanical ventilation support time, and resuscitation in a delivery room were determined to affect the Bayley III motor score. Language development was found better in babies with antenatal steroid administration.