Neuro-Developmental Screening for Fullterm and Preterm Neonates by Using Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of full term and preterm neonates (normal and diseased groups) using “Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale” (NBAS) as a screening tool. The NBAS has been used in over 700 studies worldwide as a systematic way of observing the individual baby’s responses and behavior. It assesses the newborn’s behavioral repertoire includes 28 behavioral items and neurological status scale of infant on 20 items and reflex items. We studied 4 groups: 2 groups of full term neonates gestational age between 37-40 weeks (normal and diseased) and 2 groups of preterm gestational age below 37 weeks (normal and diseased). 117 cases were examined by neonatal behavioral assessment scale. The results reported highest score for the full term normal group in relation to other groups and lowest score for the preterm diseased group in relation to other groups as well as preterm normal group scored high significant difference in relation to the preterm diseased group. We recommended more researches on the neonatal behavioral assessment scale with multivariate techniques for exploration of the association between newborn behavior and later childhood outcomes.