Normative Neurobehavioral Performance of Healthy Infants on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Abstract

Descriptive statistics for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale summary scores are provided for a sample of 125 full-term, healthy 1- to 2-day-old infants. The study sample is described, including demographic characteristics and infant and maternal medical characteristics. Descriptive statistics and percentiles are provided for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale summary scores. These tables can be used as quasinorms for comparison with other infants of this age.

Analysis of Neonatal Neurobehavior and Developmental Outcomes Among Preterm Infants

“…Infant neurobehavior was assessed using the NNNS, a standardized examination with established validity and reliability that has been used in a variety of high-risk infant populations. 9 , 17 , 18 , 19 It includes measures of tone, reflexes, social and behavioral functioning, and stress signs. During the week of NICU discharge, this 15- to 20-minute examination was administered by certified NNNS examiners blinded to clinical course.…”

“…Scores on individual items were converted to summary scores reflecting attention, handling, self-regulation, arousal, excitability, lethargy, hypertonia, hypotonia, nonoptimal reflexes, asymmetric reflexes, quality of movement, and stress abstinence. 17 …”

“…Scores on individual items were converted to summary scores reflecting attention, handling, self-regulation, arousal, excitability, lethargy, hypertonia, hypotonia, nonoptimal reflexes, asymmetric reflexes, quality of movement, and stress abstinence. 17 Procedures and criteria for recording maternal and infant variables have been previously described, including cranial ultrasonographic readings, interpreted by centralized study neuroradiologists. 13 Infant medical risk, selected a priori, included 4 morbidities: brain injury (defined as periventricular leukomalacia, moderate to severe ventriculomegaly, or parenchymal echodensity), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), severe retinopathy of prematurity, and necrotizing enterocolitis and/or culture-positive sepsis.…”

Associations between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and neonatal neurobehavior in infants born before 30 weeks gestation

“… 15 The NNNS was administered during the week of NICU discharge ±3 days by certified site examiners trained to reliability using standardized procedures and criteria. 25 Examiners were masked to chronological age, PMA at exam, and medical history. Exams were performed prior to a scheduled feeding or care time to maximize alertness, avoid sleep disturbance, and maintain NICU routines.…”

Association of Abnormal Findings on Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound With Neurobehavior at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge in Infants Born Before 30 Weeks’ Gestation

“…9 The NNNS was administered during the week of NICU discharge (±3 days) by experienced and previously certified examiners following standardized multisite training procedures. 24 The examination was conducted prior to the next scheduled feeding or routine care to maximize alertness and avoid disrupting NICU routines that facilitate sleep patterns. Examiners were blinded to CUS and other medical complications.…”