Factors Affecting the Developmental Outcomes of High-Risk Newborns

Background: Newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams and those with birth asphyxia are particularly vulnerable to multiple complications. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors related to developmental delays in high-risk newborns. Methods: This study included the clinical data of infants with a birth weight of under 2500 grams or an Apgar score of less than 7 at 1 or 5 minutes after birth. Medical records from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020 were included. The actual age of the infants was corrected according to gestational age. Participants with genetic abnormalities (trisomy 21, 18, 13) and congenital brain anomalies (hydrocephalus, encephalocele) were excluded. The Developmental Assessment for Intervention Manual (DAIM) was used during follow-up visits. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the data. Results: Of the 297 patients included, 110 completed the follow-up and 62 infants (56%) had developmental delays. Significant associations with delayed development included maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19 - 9.46), male sex (AOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.24 - 8.44), gestational age below 32 weeks (AOR 33.35, 95% CI 1.39 - 799.87), and neonatal hypoglycemia (AOR 3.81, 95% CI 1.13 - 12.85). Conclusion: Maternal age, male sex, gestational age less than 32 weeks, and neonatal hypoglycemia were all associated risk factors for developmental delays in high-risk infants.