CDC Kerala 2: Developmental Intervention Package for Babies <1,800 g - Outcome at 6 mo Using DASII

Objectives To describe the experience of using developmental intervention package among low birth weight babies less than 1,800 g and developmental outcome at the end of 6 mo monthly intervention. Methods Babies below 1,800 g, discharged from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) hospital, over the last 3 y, were followed at Child Development Centre (CDC) Kerala and offered monthly evaluation by different tools and developmental intervention using a package by trained developmental therapists and mothers were encouraged to continue the same at home. At the end of 6 mo the developmental outcome was assessed using Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). Results Out of a total of 821 babies enrolled for early stimulation program, 740 babies successfully completed 6 mo follow up and stimulation program. Comparing the outcome at 4 and 6 mo, both grading for head holding and gross motor part of DDST showed a statistically significant reduction in abnormal findings. At 6 mo assessment on DASII, motor DQ abnormalities were a high 80 % for 600-900 g, as against 17.1 % abnormalities for 1,500-1,800 g birth weight group. Conclusions The results of this intensive early stimulation program for babies below 1,800 g have shown the importance of monthly early intervention using a mother oriented systematic developmental stimulation package.