Article Text
Abstract
Introduction CrUS is an important prognostic variable in prematurity, although with some limitations. Quantitative CrUS techniques might have the potential to overcome some of those limitations.
Objectives To investigate whether a semi-quantitative method of CrUS analysis correlated with developmental outcome at 2 years in a cohort of preterm infants, and to compare this method with clinical variables and CrUS qualitative evaluation.
Methods Cohort of 88 <33 weeks gestational aged (GA) infants underwent several CrUS scans from birth to term. This last scan was analysed using a quantitative texture method (LBR), eventually obtaining 3 Quantitative Scores (QS). Outcome variables included abnormal Bayley Scales of Infant Development (3rd edition): Motor, Cognitive, and Language composite scores (<1SD); and Any Developmental Impairment (any abnormal previous result or a vision or hearing impairment).
Results Mean GA was 29,0 (SD 2,2). Hearing and vision deficits were present in 3 patients. Abnormal scores occurred 9.1% in cognitive, 11.4% motor, 18.2% language and 23.9% NDI. QS significantly correlated to all outcome variables (p values: cognitive = 0.003, motor = 0.011, language = 0.015, NDI = 0.036). ROC analysis is shown in table. When clinical information and CrUS abnormalities were added in logistic regression analysis, QS added significant information (R2 Nagelkerke) in all but motor outcome (Figure).
Conclusions Quantitative analysis of CrUS may add significant information to standard qualitative evaluation with regards to outcome at 2 years in preterm infants.