Full-term Infant, Preterm Infant
Conditions
Keywords
Birth Conditions, Prognostic Factors
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to conduct a long-term follow-up of preterm infants with different birth conditions, aiming to provide data and resources for future care and to identify predictive and influencing factors related to their functional development over time. It is hypothesized that (1) preterm infants with varying birth conditions, such as birth weight and gestational age, will exhibit different developmental outcomes, and that the establishment of a Taiwan-specific preterm infant database is essential due to the lack of comprehensive local data and ethnic variations in gestational patterns; and (2) neonatal factors, including gestational age, birth weight, and postnatal complications (e.g., pneumonia, seizures, hypoxia), serve as potential risk factors influencing later developmental trajectories.
Detailed description
This study uses Taiwan's Preterm Infant Database to analyze gestational age, birth conditions, and long-term developmental outcomes in preterm infants. Participants are classified by gestational age and birth weight into subgroups, with demographic, clinical, and follow-up data (e.g., Bayley-III, neurodevelopmental exams, rehabilitation records) systematically collected. All data are de-identified, coded, and validated, with confidentiality maintained under IRB oversight. Statistical methods include ANOVA, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, repeated-measures ANOVA, and multiple regression models to identify predictive and risk factors. Standardized procedures govern data collection, management, and analysis, with strategies to address missing or inconsistent values. This framework ensures rigor, supports predictive modeling, and provides clinically relevant insights to guide early intervention and healthcare strategies.
Interventions
OTHERNo Intervention: Observational Cohort
No Intervention: Observational Cohort
Sponsors
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
0 Years to 3 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Preterm Cases (Experimental Group) Inclusion: * Born \<37 weeks. * Age 0-3 years. * Stable condition with regular outpatient follow-up, medication, and rehabilitation. Exclusion: * Acute illness (e.g., infection). * Conditions affecting neurodevelopment (e.g., cerebral palsy, severe complications, pneumonia, traumatic brain injury). * Chromosomal abnormalities. Full-term Cases (Control Group) Inclusion: * Born at full term. * Age 0-3 years. * No disease affecting neurodevelopment. * Caregiver consent and cooperation. Exclusion: * Medical diagnoses affecting neurodevelopment (e.g., traumatic brain injury). * Neurodevelopmental disorders. * Sensory disorders. * Chromosomal abnormalities.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bayley-III Cognitive Composite Score | Baseline | Standardized cognitive domain score from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Scale range: higher scores indicate better cognitive development. |
| Bayley-III Language Composite Score | Baseline | Standardized language domain score from the Bayley-III. Scale range: higher scores indicate better language development. |
| Bayley-III Motor Composite Score | Baseline | Standardized motor domain score from the Bayley-III. Scale range: higher scores indicate better motor development. |
| Head Circumference | Baseline | Head circumference measured in centimeters (cm). |
| Body Length | Baseline | Body length measured in centimeters (cm). |
| Body Weight | Baseline | Body weight measured in kilograms (kg). |
| Neurological Examination Score | Baseline | Results from standardized neurological assessment. Scale range: higher scores indicate better neurological function. |
| Mobility Ability Score | Baseline | Functional mobility assessed using age-appropriate developmental checklist. Scale range: higher scores indicate greater independence. |
| Presence of Medical Complications/Comorbidities | Baseline | Recorded as a binary variable (Yes/No). Unit: Proportion (%) |
| Rehabilitation Participation | Baseline | Frequency of rehabilitation sessions per week based on clinical records. Unit: Sessions per week |
Countries
Taiwan
Outcome results
None listed