Neonatal Markers of Prematurity as Predictors of Permanent Childhood Hearing Loss and Neurodevelopmental Impairment in Children Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Need for admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) confers an increased risk of hearing loss in the newborn and of later neurodevelopmental impairment. In this retrospective longitudinal case-controlled study, we assess how the degree of prematurity, measured via gestational age, birth weight, and z-scores, in 138 infants admitted to the NICU are associated with permanent childhood hearing loss (PCHI) and 2-year developmental outcomes. Logistic regression analyses, Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, and Chi-squared tests were used. Independent of prematurity, PCHI and NICU admission were predictive of poor developmental outcomes. Twenty-one (47%) children with PCHI had a moderate-to-severe developmental delay, compared to three (7%) matched controls. Days in the NICU but not z-scores predicted PCHI. Z-score was not prognostic of moderate or severe developmental impairment in children with PCHI. The odds ratio of moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment with PCHI was high, at 12.48 [95% CI = 3.37-46.40]. Children with PCHI were significantly more likely to have cerebral palsy than their matched counterparts (30% vs. 2%). These findings challenge the conventional focus on gestational age and birth weight on neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with PCHI and NICU admission. A more nuanced approach to monitoring and intervention is needed.
Source: Brain Sciences
Authors: Hayma Moosan, Derek J. Hoare, Dulip Jayasinghe, Karen R. Willis, Katherine Martin, Sally K. Thornton
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,501
Award: G1466063397
OpenAlex ID: W4402615113