Effect of Early Developmental Intervention in Preterm Infants
Lila Worden
Elizabeth Pinsky
Enhancing the Outcomes of Low-Birth-Weight, Premature Infants: A Multisite, Randomized Trial. The Infant Health and Development Program
JAMA. 1990;263(22):3035–3042
Background
Advancements in neonatal intensive care increased the survival of preterm and low–birth-weight (LBW) infants; however, these infants remained at increased risk of intellectual and learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and medical complications as compared to normal birth weight peers. With the expansion of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1987, developmentally at-risk infants were newly eligible for early intervention (EI) programs. Previous research on EI programs in LBW populations was limited to small, short-term studies.
Objectives
To assess the efficacy of comprehensive EI on improving developmental outcomes and physical health of preterm LBW infants.
Methods
Randomized controlled trial in 8 US centers from 1985 to 1988.
Patients
985 infants followed from birth to 36 months who were born <37 weeks’ gestational age (GA) with birth weight ≤2,500 g. Select exclusion criteria: serious health impairment precluding participation.
