Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at Two Years’ Corrected Age of Very Preterm Infants after Implementation of a Post-Discharge Responsive Parenting Intervention Program (TOP Program)

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics 2023-06, Vol.257, p.113381-113381, Article 113381
• Main Authors: Halbmeijer, Nienke M., Jeukens-Visser, Martine, Onland, Wes, Flierman, Monique, van Kaam, Anton H., Leemhuis, Aleid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: early intervention programs; neurodevelopmental outcomes; very preterm infants
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.02.025

To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years corrected age (CA) between infants born very preterm (VP) who did or did not receive a postdischarge responsive parenting intervention (Transmural developmental support for very preterm infants and their parents [TOP program]) between discharge home and 12 months’ CA. The Systemic Hydrocortisone to Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (SToP-BPD) study showed no differences between treatment groups in motor and cognitive development using the Dutch Bayley Scales of Infant Development and behavior using the Child Behavior Checklist at 2 years’ CA. During its study period, the TOP program was gradually scaled up nationwide in the same population, providing an opportunity to evaluate the effect of this program on neurodevelopmental outcome, after adjusting for baseline differences. Among 262 surviving VP infants in the SToP-BPD study, 35% received the TOP program. Infants in the TOP group had a significantly lower incidence of a cognitive score