Pediatr Res. 2026 Feb 19. doi: 10.1038/s41390-026-04825-8. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Early developmental intervention seeks to enhance functional outcomes in preterm infants by leveraging neuroplasticity. We investigated the relationship between early intervention and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood among preterm infants without severe brain injury.
METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled very-low-birth-weight infants (23+0-32+6 weeks’ gestation) registered in the Korean Neonatal Network. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at corrected ages 18-24 months and chronological ages 33-45 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Second or Third Edition), the Korean Developmental Screening Test, or both. Infants who began motor-based or language therapy prior to 18-24 months of corrected age were defined as the early intervention group.
RESULTS: Of the 1797 infants who completed follow-up, 518 (28.8%) received early intervention. Compared to infants without early intervention, those with early intervention had lower gestational age and higher rates of prematurity-related complications and post-discharge rehospitalizations. The interaction between the intervention group and assessment time was statistically significant, indicating that early intervention was associated with a reduced risk of motor developmental delays over time (adjusted odds ratio 0.669, 95% confidence interval 0.472-0.949).
CONCLUSION: Early intervention was associated with more favorable motor outcomes, highlighting the importance of timely support for high-risk preterm infants.
IMPACT: Preterm infants with greater medical complexity more commonly received early intervention. Early intervention mitigated the progression of motor developmental delays over time. An enriched early environment may help offset the negative developmental impact of preterm complications.
PMID:41714687 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-026-04825-8
