Adult Talk in the NICU With Preterm Infants and Developmental Outcomes

• DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-0104
• Publication Date: 2014-02-11T02:11:16Z
• Authors: Melinda Caskey; Bonnie Stephens; Richard Tucker; Betty Vohr
• Keywords: Toddler

The goal of this study was to test the association mean adult word counts at 32 and 36 weeks' postmenstrual age in NICU with Bayley Scales Infant Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (Bayley-III), cognitive language scores. It hypothesized that preterm infants exposed higher would have scores 7 18 months' corrected age.This prospective cohort included a birth weight ≤1250 g. Sixteen-hour recordings were made by using digital processor age. Regression analyses performed on count per hour, Bayley-III measures correcting for weight.Adult positively correlated 7- 18-month For 32-week recording, regression adjusting weight, hour independently accounted 12% variance composite (P = .04) 20% expressive communication months .008). 36-week 26% .0049).Increased amount parent talk associated These findings offer an opportunity intervention starting NICU.