Early developmental intervention programs post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infants born preterm are at increased risk of developing cognitive and motor impairments compared with infants born at term. Early developmental interventions have been used in the clinical setting with the aim of improving the overall functional outcome for these infants. However, the benefit of these programs remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To review the effectiveness of early developmental intervention post-discharge from hospital for preterm (< 37 weeks) infants on motor or cognitive development. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Neonatal Review group search strategy was used to identify randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of early developmental interventions post hosp..