Interdisciplinary Assessment of Premature Newborns and Their Families in a Hospital Setting in Medellín, Colombia

TL;DR

This study in Medellín, Colombia, assesses preterm infants and their families using interdisciplinary tools to detect early signs of Cerebral Palsy and improve quality of life.

Contribution

The study applies international diagnostic tools in Colombia for the first time to evaluate preterm infants and their families.

Findings

Only 9.30% of preterm infants showed neurological risk.

Most infants had normal suction-swallowing-breathing functions.

Lowest quality of life scores were in social relationships and psychological health.

Abstract

Background: Preterm infants are highly fragile and at increased risk of developing Cerebral Palsy (CP). Therefore, early detection through an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to enable timely referrals and evidence-based interventions. The literature recommends the use of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire, and the Comprehensive Neonatal Speech-Language Assessment Protocol (EFIN) for early CP diagnosis. However, despite the availability of these tools, they have not yet been implemented as part of evaluation and follow-up protocols in Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional observational and analytical study was conducted to analyze, in a group of preterm infants, the relationship between neurological risk, primary stomatognathic functions (suction-swallowing-breathing), and caregivers’ perceived quality of life. Results: A total of 43 preterm infants were included. Of these, only 9.30% showed neurological risk; 97.67% did not present alterations in the suction-swallowing-breathing triad; and the lowest quality of life scores were reported in social relationships and psychological health. Conclusions: There are perinatal factors that require follow-up in preterm infants to prevent possible future complications. It is essential to address both social and psychological aspects in family support programs.

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