The Importance of Monitoring Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Preterm Infants: A Comparison of the AIMS, GMA, Pull to Sit Maneuver and ASQ-3

Abstract

Background: Clinicians and parents should closely monitor the neurodevelopment of very preterm infants. The aim of our study was to compare whether neurodevelopmental assessments completed by parents and those done by specialists yielded similar outcomes. We wanted to check whether the assessments completed by specialists and parents were comparable in outcomes to emphasize the important roles of early assessment of a child and of the parents in their child’s treatment and medical care. Another aim was to check whether or not the pull to sit maneuver from the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) is still a parable item in well-known scales of neurodevelopment. Methods: We assessed 18 preterm neonates in the fourth month of corrected age with scales such as the General Movement Assessment (GMA), the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), and the pull to sit maneuver from the NBAS. Finally, we asked parents to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Results: We found that the respective assessments completed by specialists and parents are comparable in outcomes. We also found that the pull to sit item from the NBAS was still a valid test since it showed similar findings to those from the AIMS, the GMA, and the ASQ-3. Conclusions: The pull to sit item from the NBAS is an important item for assessment of very preterm infants. Specialists should also take into consideration the input and concerns of parents when planning for treatment and intervention.

Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Italian Version of Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Edition

“…Malak et al [ 52 ] highlighted that ASQ-3 is a valid and comparable instrument to assessments made by specialists. This information might help parents feel more empowered when interacting with their children.…”

Gestational Age and Neurodevelopmental Delay in Term Births at 6 and 12 Months: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)

“…Therefore, in the present study, we used data from the Japanese Environment and Children’s Study (JECS), which included the ASQ-3, a developmental screening test that can be easily administered by parents. Assessment of developmental delay in preterm infants using the ASQ-3 has been reported in prior studies (Demestre et al, 2016 ; Mirzakhani et al, 2020 ), and parental and professional assessments by the ASQ-3 are considered equivalent in outcome (Gutierrez-Cruz et al, 2019 ; Malak et al, 2022 ; Schonhaut et al, 2013 ). In the present study, we assessed neurodevelopment by gestational week in term babies born at 37–41 weeks’ gestation, by analysis of ASQ-3 scores at 6 and 12 months of age.…”