Behavioral Assessment in VLBW Infants

Women's Health News

Obie Editorial Team

The Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program (IBAIP) supports cognitive and physical development of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam recently completed a controlled trial of 136 VLBW infants. About half the infants received IBAIP and the other half traditional care.

At a corrected age of 5.5 years, performance IQ was assessed for cognitive, motor and visual-motor development. Tests used to rate performance include the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children.

Conclusion: Children who received IBAIP performed better on tests than children who received traditional care.

Source: Van Hus JW, Jeukens-Visser M, Koldewijn K, Geldof CJ, Kok JH, Nollet F, Van Wassenaer-Leemhuis AG. Sustained Developmental Effects of the Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program in Very Low Birth Weight Infants at 5.5 Years Corrected Age. J Pediatr. 2013 Jan 10. pii: S0022-3476(12)01412-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.11.078.