Prevalence and factors associated with global developmental delay in preterm infants at corrected age 6-24 months: A cross-sectional study at a high-risk newborn clinic

Abstract

Background: Advances in neonatal care have improved the survival of preterm infants; however, they remain vulnerable to neurodevelopmental immaturity and brain injury, which may adversely affect long-term developmental and learning outcomes.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of global developmental delay among preterm infants aged 6–24 months at Pranangklao Hospital and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Preterm infants aged 6–24 months who attended follow-up at the high-risk newborn clinic, Pranangklao Hospital, between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024, were assessed using the Denver II developmental screening tool by developmental–behavioral pediatricians. Medical records were reviewed, and caregivers were interviewed using structured questionnaires to obtain additional relevant clinical and demographic data.

Results: Thirty-two preterm infants were included in the study; 9 (28.1%) were identified as having global developmental delay. Maternal antenatal corticosteroid exposure appeared to be associated with a protective factor against global developmental delay (OR 0.098, 95% CI 0.015-0.646, p value 0.028).

Conclusion: Preterm infants were at increased risk of developmental delay and required regular systematic developmental monitor. Maternal antenatal corticosteroid exposure appeared to be associated with a protective factor against global developmental delay in preterm infants. These results emphasized the importance of administering antenatal corticosteroids to mothers at risk of preterm birth in accordance with standard treatment guidelines.