# 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.

## Key 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.