Neurodevelopment and the association with early life nutrition in moderate and late preterm infants

Objectives: Long-term neurodevelopment of moderate and late preterm infants (MLPTI; gestational age [GA] 32 0/7 weeks to 36 6/7 weeks) is at a lower level than that of those at term age. Increased protein and energy intakes in the first week of life have been associated with better neurodevelopment early in life, in very preterm infants. This study aimed to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome of MLPTI at 2 years corrected age (CA) for prematurity (i.e., after term equivalent age) and its association with nutritional intake in the first week of life. Methods: We prospectively collected nutritional data during the first week of life from 100 MLPTI (GA 32 0/7 weeks to 35 6/7 weeks). At 2 years CA, children underwent a neurodevelopmental assessment using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third edition, Dutch version (BSID-III-NL). Results: The mean BSID-III-NL (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) score was 103.1 (10.9) on the cognitive composite, 101.1 (SD ± 15.0) on the language composite, and 100.8 (SD ± 9.6) on the motor composite. Boys scored significantly lower than girls on both cognitive and language composite scores. We found no significant associations between nutritional intake in the first week of life and neurodevelopment at 2 years CA. Conclusion: Neurodevelopment at 2 years CA was within normal limits, while boys scored lower than girls. First week nutritional intakes do not seem to be associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years CA. This study emphasizes the need for more long-term follow-up and research concerning neurodevelopment in MLPTI, especially in boys.