Early speech therapy is associated with decreased length of stay in preterm infants <28 weeks gestational age.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the timing of speech therapy (ST) on the length of stay (LOS) and developmental outcomes at 6 and 12 months in preterm infants. Study design: Infants delivered 24-28 weeks gestational age (GA) who received ST from 2022-2025 were enrolled. Analysis comparing postmenstrual age (PMA) at speech therapy initiation determined two cohorts. Demographic, imaging studies and clinical outcomes were compared between cohorts using R-software. Multivariable regression adjusting for comorbidities were analyzed using SAS. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Eighty-four infants initiated ST<40 weeks PMA (group A) compared to thirty infants ≥40 weeks PMA (group B). Comorbidities including BPD and IVH were more prevalent in group B (BPD: n=32, 42.9% group A vs. n=18, 60.6% group B, p<0.01, IVH: n=11, 13.1% group A vs. n=7, 22.3% p<0.01). Group B had more occupational therapy (OT) and ST visits during their hospital stay (OT: 13.2 vs 20.7, ST: 11.6 vs 18.2, p<0.01). Barium swallow studies showed there was less aspiration described in group A (p<0.01), but no difference in laryngeal penetration (p=0.14). Group B was tube fed more often at the 6 month follow up (n=8, 10.3% vs n=12, 41.4%, p<0.01) and at 12-month follow up (n=13, 21% vs n=8, 66.7%, p<0.01). Group A had higher developmental scores on their ASQ at their 12-month follow up. Group A had a shorter length of stay using multivariable linear regression (SEM 32.8(±12.2), 95% CI [8.4, 57.7] p=0.02). Conclusion: Infants who initiated ST before 40 weeks PMA (Group A) had a shorter length of stay, decreased risk of aspiration and lower rates of comorbidities during their NICU stay, and higher ASQ scores at 12 months compared to group B.