Work

The motor optimality of infants who have had Meningitis in the first months of life: A retrospective study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infants who have meningitis are at increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early screening tools can add value in identifying infants who may benefit from early intervention supports. The Motor Optimality Score Revised (MOS-R) is a relatively new tool used between 3 and 5 months of age that may have predictive value. AIM: To describe the motor optimality of infants diagnosed with meningitis and determine whether the MOS-R is associated with development at 12 months of age. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study from 2011 to 2023. The MOS-R was taken at 3-4 months corrected gestational age and development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley) III/IV at 12 or 24 months of age. SUBJECTS: Participants included 73 infants (mean gestational age 37 + 3), admitted to hospital with meningitis before 4 months of age, who had a general movements assessment. RESULTS: Infants had a mean MOS-R of 22.3 (SD 3.29), with most infants in the study having MOS-R scores indicating mildly reduced optimality (78.8 %). Significant positive correlations were found between MOS-R total scores and the receptive language, expressive language and gross motor domains of the Bayley III/IV. Infants with MOS-R scores <21 were more likely to show developmental delays in cognition, expressive language and receptive language. CONCLUSION: For infants who had meningitis, MOS-R scores were associated with development at 12 months of age. The MOS-R, used in addition to GMA may have the potential to identify infants who would benefit from early intervention to support their development. Further research is needed to understand the use of the MOS-R, alongside other screening tools for populations at risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Source: Early Human Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106477