Background: Although a number of measures exist that can be used to follow maturation of central nervous system (CNS) structure (e.g. ultrasound, MRI) and postnatal CNS function (e.g. developmental milestones), there are currently no measures that follow maturation of CNS function prior to term.

Method: Based on previous assessments of the evolution of tone and reflexes prior to term in extremely preterm infants1,2, we developed a numerical maturity score, a sum of degree of flexor tone and posture, axial tone, DTRs, pathological reflexes (e.g. Babinski), primitive reflexes (e.g. Moro), oromotor function and sensory responses. This maturity score was calculated from weekly neuro-developmental examinations3 in all low risk VLBW infants (<1500 gms) born in a two year period from June, 1994 to July, 1996(n=54) who did not have intracerebral hemorrhage or echodensities, oxygen ≥ 28 days, in utero exposure to illicit drugs, SGA or perinatal depression. For each infant, maturity scores were plotted against postmenstrual age (PMA). A line of best fit was then drawn using SPSS, with calculation of R2, slope and y intercept at 32 weeks PMA.

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