Examination of brain morphology and perinatal background factors associated with characteristics of early infantile spontaneous movements.

AIM: To clarify the association between characteristics of early infantile general movements (GMs) and clinical background factors, including brain morphological characteristics, in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs).

METHODS

GMs were scored using the motor optimality score revised (MOS-R) at a post-term age of 9-20 weeks. The MOS-R is composed of the following five subscales: quality of fidgety movements (Quality FMs), movement patterns (MP), age-adequate movement repertoire (AMR), postural patterns (PP), and movement character (MC). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term-equivalent age was scored using a validated scoring system (MRI score). Factors affecting the MOS-R were investigated using a multiple regression analysis.

SUBJECTS: Ninety-five VLBWIs managed at Oita University Hospital in 2012-2023, who underwent brain MRI and GMs assessment, were included. The median gestational age at birth and birth weight were 28 weeks, 6 days and 997 g, respectively.

RESULTS

The multiple regression analysis revealed that MRI score, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) drug therapy, and sex were associated with MOS-R. In an analysis using the MOS-R subscales as dependent variables, Quality FMs were associated with MRI score and sex; MP was associated with MRI score; AMR was associated with PDA drug therapy, sex, and postnatal steroid use; PP was associated with height at the estimated date of confinement (EDC); and MC was associated with PDA drug therapy and body weight at EDC.

CONCLUSION

MOS-R is associated with brain morphological development. Its subscales are influenced by different clinical factors.