Using cluster analysis to provide new insights into development of very low birthweight (VLBW) premature infants

Abstract Background Very low birthweight (VLBW) premature infant follow-up studies report on single developmental outcome variables but do not assess profiles of development. Aims To identify developmental profiles of VLBW premature infants based on cognitive and language development and their assoc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Early human development 2016-01, Vol.92, p.45-49
Main Authors: Ross, Gail S, Foran, L.M, Barbot, Baptiste, Sossin, K. Mark, Perlman, Jeffrey M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advanced Basic Science
Behavior problems
Case-Control Studies
Cluster Analysis
Cognition
Female
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Very Low Birth Weight - growth & development
Infant, Very Low Birth Weight - psychology
Language
Language Development
Male
Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine
Problem Behavior
Very low birthweight premature infants
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Summary:Abstract Background Very low birthweight (VLBW) premature infant follow-up studies report on single developmental outcome variables but do not assess profiles of development. Aims To identify developmental profiles of VLBW premature infants based on cognitive and language development and their association with demographic, perinatal, and behavior variables. Study design Retrospective chart review. Subjects 117 children < 1250 g BW seen at 18 months post-term on the Bayley Scales—III and Child Behavior Checklist 1 ½–5 (CBCL 1 ½–5), a behavior problem questionnaire. Demographic and perinatal variables were obtained from medical records. Outcome measures Bayley Cognitive, Expressive Language, and Receptive Language scores were used to cluster the subjects into developmental profiles. Demographic, perinatal, and CBCL variables were analyzed as they related to clusters. Results Children were clustered into 4 groups based on their Bayley Cognitive, Expressive Language, and Receptive Language scores: Consistently High, Consistently Average, Average with Delayed Expressive Language, and Consistently Low. Socioeconomic status, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Grades III–IV intraventricular hemorrhage, and summary Behavior Problems and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) Problems scores were significantly related to clusters. Conclusion Cluster analysis defined distinct outcome groups in VLBW premature children and provides an informative means of identifying factors related to developmental outcome. This approach may be useful in predicting later outcome and determining which groups of children will require early intervention.
ISSN:0378-3782
1872-6232
DOI:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.11.005