Development of preterm infants at the age of 9-12 years after normal neonatal neurological examination

Profiles of neurological development in 31 preterm infants (< 2500 g birth weight, < 37 weeks gestation), who had normal findings after birth, were compared with fullterm matched controls. Neuromotor functions were examined according to Touwen and by tests for gross motor coordination (KTK) and fine motor dexterity (LDT). Despite only minor risk factors, the preterm infants had a more unfavorable developmental outcome and showed subtle coordinative and visuomotor deficits at age 9-12 years. The results show that long-term follow-up is needed in all preterm infants. The negative impact of early risk factors may persist into late childhood and has specific and long-lasting consequences.