Risk factors for suspected developmental delay in low-birth-weight infants: a study from referral center in northern Thailand

BACKGROUND: Infants with low birth weights (LBW) are more prone to have developmental delays. Understanding factors linked to delayed development in infants with LBW is crucial for risk reduction and improved developmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify factors connected with suspected developmental delays among LBW infants and analyze the trends of development across various domains.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect data from medical records of LBW infants who underwent developmental assessments at ages 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months using the Developmental Assessment for Intervention Manual (DAIM) from 2013 to 2019. Multilevel multivariable analysis for repeated data was used to analyze developmental patterns and associated factors. The results were presented using line graphs depicting developmental delays during the specified period.RESULTS: Among the 529 LBW infants, 141 (26.7%) were suspected of having developmental delays. Risk factors associated with developmental delays in at least one domain included bilateral sensory neural hearing loss (mOR 3.73, CI 1.42-9.81), and use of mechanical ventilation for more than 14 days (mOR 2.05, CI 1.01-4.14). Factors associated with development in all domains were bilateral hearing impairment. Developmental trends showed stability or improvement after stimulation by DAIM guidelines, but infants still lagged until the age of two.CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral hearing impairment and prolonged use of mechanical ventilators are essential factors associated with suspected global developmental delay in infants with LBW. After stimulating development according to national guidelines, children tended to improve but were still not at the expected level.