ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the trend of early neural development in premature infants. Methods At the age of 12 months and 24 months, Bayley Scales of Infant Development were used to assess the mental development index (MDI) and the psychomotor development index (PDI) in preterm (corrected age) and full-term infants. Results At 12 months, there was no significant difference in corrected age PDI scores among different gestational age groups (<32 , 32–33+6 and 34–36+6 weeks) (P=0.820). The actual age MDI and PDI scores of full-term infants and premature infants in 34~36+6 weeks group were significantly higher than those of premature infants in <32 and 32-33+6 weeks groups, and the PDI score of full-term infants was significantly higher than that of premature infants in 34-36+6 weeks group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in actual age PDI scores among different birth weight groups (P=0.166). The actual age MDI and PDI of full-term infants and premature infants in birth weight≥2500 g group were significantly higher than those of premature infants in <1500 g, 1500~1999 g and 2000~2499 g groups (P<0.05). At 24 months, the actual age MDI scores of full-term infants were significantly higher than those of premature infants in different gestational age and birth weight groups (P<0.05). The actual age MDI curve of premature infants in birth weight <1500g group showed a downward trend, while the actual age PDI curve showed a significant upward trend. Conclusion The neurodevelopment of preterm infants at the corrected age of 12 and 24 months reaches the level of full-term infants.