Single-center experience of the Korean-Developmental Screening Test for infants and children

Abstract

PurposeWe investigated the number of test takers of the Korean-Developmental Screening Test (K-DST) in a single children's hospital within a year, according to age, referral rate, and follow-up percentage.MethodsFor this study, 4,062 children who visited and received K-DST at Woorisoa Children's Hospital between January and December 2015 were enrolled. Seven test sets were used according to the Korean National Health Screening Program for infants and children in the following age groups: 4 to 6, 9 to 12, 18 to 24, 30 to 36, 42 to 48, 54 to 60, and 66 to 71 months. The results of the K-DST were categorized into 4 groups as follows: further evaluation (<−2 standard deviation [−2SD]), follow-up test (−2SD to −1SD), peer level (−1SD to 1SD), and high level (>1SD).ResultsThe test participants' population and follow-up population were concentrated before the age of 24 months (2,532, 62.3%). The children most commonly referred for further evaluation were those in the 30- to 41-month age group. A mismatch was found between the results of the K-DST and the additional questions. Most of the infants and children with suspicious developmental delays showed catch-up development in their follow-up tests (43 of 55, 78.2%).ConclusionThe use of K-DST should be encouraged, especially among children aged over 24 months. Multiple-choice question format for the additional questions is recommended to avoid confusion. We suggest a nationwide study to evaluate and revise the K-DST.

Validity of the Korean Developmental Screening Test for very-low-birth-weight infants

“…A meta-analysis has shown the positive predictive value of the BSID-II for the development of preterm and VLBW children [27]. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm children in Korea are also determined by screening instruments such as the Denver Developmental Screening Test-II (DDST-II) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire in Korea (K-ASQ) [10-11,28,29]. The DDST-II is widely used as the screening test for evelopmental delay in the four areas of social contact, fine motor skill, gross motor skill, and language [30].…”

“…The K-DST, which is suitable for Korean infants and children, generally evaluates standard development [12,32]. Compared to the DDST-II and K-ASQ, the K-DST compensates for unsuitable questions related to the sociality and self-help domains [29]. In Korea, almost all infants and children are now being assessed for their serial developmental status from 4 to 71 months of age using the K-DST at primary care clinics [29,33].…”

“…Compared to the DDST-II and K-ASQ, the K-DST compensates for unsuitable questions related to the sociality and self-help domains [29]. In Korea, almost all infants and children are now being assessed for their serial developmental status from 4 to 71 months of age using the K-DST at primary care clinics [29,33]. However, the usefulness of the K-DST to evaluate developmental delay in preterm children has not been studied.…”

Which growth parameters can affect mortality in cerebral palsy?

“…Data were retrieved from two South Korean databases that are managed by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS): (1) the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSIC) database, which records screening data of the growth and development of all children [19]; (2) the NHIS database, which covers the entire population and includes comprehensive health claims data [20]. The NHSIC database and the NHIS database are linked using a personal identifier number.…”

“…Physicians conduct anthropometric measurements as well as history taking, physical examination, screening for visual acuity, and health education. NHSIC data is submitted to the NHIS by participating clinics [19].…”