Evaluation of general movements and the potential of video-tracking to predict high risk of cerebral palsy in premature infants: prospective, analytical, and observational study.

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood; however, its prevalence remains insufficiently documented in particularly vulnerable populations, such as premature infants in low- and middle-income regions. To objective is identify abnormal movements associated with an increased risk of CP in a sample of premature infants and to determine the main perinatal criteria associated with CP; and to explore the possibilities of video-tracking as a complementary screening tool.

METHODS

Prospective, analytical, observational study that included premature newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units at two hospitals in La Plata, Argentina, between January 1 and June 30, 2022.

RESULTS

Assessment of general movements in 39 newborns revealed that 12 (30.7%) had abnormal movements, characterized by absent fidgety movements, associated with an increased risk of CP. In this subgroup, 92% had a mean birth weight of 1,105.8 ± 405.1 g, a mean gestational age of 28.6 ± 2.8 weeks, 50% had an Apgar score < 5 at one minute of life, and 75% developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In two selected cases, the videos were processed with video-assisted tracking software to analyze the amplitude and complexity of the movement patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the scarcity of records in low- and middle-income countries, this study provides evidence on the frequency of general movement patterns associated with the risk of developing CP. It also explores the possibilities of video-assisted screening and highlights the importance of early detection of one of the most prevalent motor disorders in the premature population.