[Comprehensive developmental neurological care of preterm infants at the Clinical Center of the University of Pécs].

INTRODUCTION

Preterm birth is a major public health problem, and with improving survival rates, it is increasingly associated with long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. Multidisciplinary care models integrating early intervention and structured follow-up play a key role in achieving more favorable outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to present the integrated care model ("Pécs model") applied at the Clinical Center of the University of Pécs, which combines early intervention with long-term neurodevelopmental and physiotherapy follow-up, and to describe institutional follow-up data.

METHOD: In this retrospective, single-center study, we analyzed data from newborns treated at the Clinical Center of the University of Pécs between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2025. Demographic, perinatal and neonatal parameters, as well as the types and frequency of neurodevelopmental and physiotherapy care were evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Group differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version: 32.0).

RESULTS

The study population included 27 378 newborns. The rate of preterm birth was 14.98%, reflecting the institution's role as a regional level III care center. Preterm infants had significantly lower Apgar scores, lower birth weights, and longer hospital stays (p<0.001). Perinatal indicators improved with increasing gestational age. Early intervention and structured neurodevelopmental and physiotherapy follow-up were widely implemented. A total of 4085 children received neurodevelopmental and physiotherapy care. Early intervention during hospitalization was applied in 1308 newborns and included passive mobilization, gentle handling, soft massage, orofacial training, and neurohabilitation when indicated. Children were followed up until 2 years of age within the framework of the Neurodevelopmental Outpatient Clinic of the Institute of Medical Genetics.

CONCLUSION

The "Pécs model", integrating early intervention with structured, multidisciplinary follow-up, provides an effective framework for the care of preterm infants. The findings support the importance of organized long-term follow-up in achieving favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(38): 1516-1522.