Utility of the 21-Month Neurodevelopmental Outcome for Predicting Neurodevelopmental Impairment at 36 Months for Preterm Infants <29 Weeks Gestation

Abstract Objective To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the 21-month neurodevelopmental outcome for predicting the presence of neurodevelopmental impairment at 36 months corrected age in a population of preterm infants under 29 weeks gestation. Study Design This is a retrospective observational cohort study. Preterm infants born under 29 weeks gestation who were followed up at both 18–21 months and 36 months corrected age with outcome data available were enrolled. Results Overall, 713 preterm infants < 29 weeks gestation and were included in the final analysis. The specificity of the 21-month assessment for predicting neurodevelopmental impairment at 36 months corrected age was 66% (95% confidence interval[CI] 62–71%) with a positive predictive value of 61% (95% CI 56–66%). Conclusion In preterm neonates born < 29 weeks gestation, the 18–21 months corrected neurodevelopmental outcome had low specificity and positive predictive value for predicting the presence of neurodevelopmental impairment at 36 months corrected age.