Performance of Extremely Low Birthweight Children at 5 Years of Age on the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers

Abstract

The purpose of this geographically defined national study was to evaluate the performance of extremely low birthweight children (ELBW < 1000g) born in Iceland in 1991-1995 and compare them to a cohort of matched control children born full term. The Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) was used to provide an overall profile of 32 ELBW children and 55 control children at 5 years of age. The results indicated that score patterns on the MAP between ELBW and normal birthweight children differ. The differences were significant on the Total Score, and the Foundations, Coordination, and Complex-Tasks Indices. This study found that the ELBW group had specific problems in basic motor tasks, coordination, and fine motor skills. The results validate the need for early assessment, regular follow-up, and consultation to promote optimal task performance and social participation of children born prematurely.

Systematic review of sensory processing in preterm children reveals abnormal sensory modulation, somatosensory processing and sensory‐based motor processing

“…The term‐born children were born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. Extremely low gestational age under 28 weeks or birth weight under 1000 g were reported in four studies . Very low gestational age under 32 weeks or birth weight under 1500 g were reported in 15 studies .…”

“…The MAP scores describe normal, moderate (6th‐25th percentile) or severe (<5th percentile) delays of development . The MAP was applied in two studies …”

“…Extremely low gestational age under 28 weeks or birth weight under 1000 g were reported in four studies. 26,27,37,38 Very low gestational age under 32 weeks or birth weight under 1500 g were reported in 15 studies. 24,25,28,29,35,36,[39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] Other five studies reported gestational age under 37 weeks.…”

“…27 Preterm children, who performed in the SIPT motor accuracy and finger identification significantly worse than the controls, were also slower in handwriting (P = .004). 46 Motor planning problems 27,38,45 and dyspraxia 37 were addressed in four studies. There were significantly lower scores in the SIPT tests of praxis, visual perception and processing among the preterm children, compared to the matched control children.…”

“…Treatment intervals and consultations for parents in sensory processing are pivotal in supporting preterm children in their neurocognitive development from infancy through to school age. 28,34,38,[41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48]…”