Purpose: To identify the incidence of developmental delay in a population of low birthweight infants not traditionally followed by developmental programs post discharge.

Methods: Seventy low birthweight infants (≤2500 grams) were followed prospectively as part of a longitudinal study of breast feeding interventions in the ICN. The examiner was blinded to the study status of the infants. Developmental evaluations included: Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID)-Mental (MDI) and Motor (PDI) Sub-scales (100±15); and the Bayley Behavioral Rating Scale (motor quality, attention/arousal, orientation/engagement, and emotional regulation-questionable scores ≤25 percentile). Delay was defined as MDI/PDI score ≤85 and/or any questionable Behavioral Rating Scale score. Postural tone was assessed during the administration of the BSID-PDI. Forty-six of 70 infants who had gestational ages ≥34 weeks were identified, and their developmental status at 6 months was documented. Age was adjusted for prematurity if gestation was ≤36 weeks. Perinatal data was reviewed as follows: admission to well baby, ICN or transitional nurseries, gestation, ventilation requirements and length of stay(LOS).

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