Abstract
Accurate assessment for subsequent mental performance is now especially needed in the neonatal period. To determine the prognostic value of visual fixation responses in the neonate, 14 infants born at 27-44 weeks gestation with worrisome problems including severe asphyxia (8), systemic herpes (2), suspected microcephaly (2), severe tremors (1), and abnormal skull calcification(1), were tested neurologically and visually at a post conceptional age of 35-46 weeks. The visual tests, based on techniques developed by Fantz, assessed fixation of a single pattern, discrimination between pattern over plain and between two patterned stimuli.
These infants were subsequently followed and evaluated by Stanford-Binet or Bayley tests at an average age of 28 months (range 4-60 months). Prediction of development based on visual testing was accurate for 13 of 14 infants. The neurological exam was accurate for only 7 of 14 infants. Five rated normal by visual testing are normal on follow-up. Of 8 infants abnormal by visual testing, 5 are now retarded (I.Q. or D. Q. <70) and 3 died (hydrancephaly, microcephaly, severe retardation). One infant rated normal by both visual and neurological exam is retarded.
This preliminary study suggests that neonatal visual testing may be a valuable tool for predicting future mental performance.
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Miranda, S., Hack, M., Fanaroff, A. et al. NEONATAL VISUAL PATTERN FIXATION. A POSSIBLE PREDICTOR OF FUTURE MENTAL PERFORMANCE. Pediatr Res 8, 463 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00739
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00739
