The neurological examination of non-complicated preterm newborns using the Saint-Anne Dargassies Scale from birth to term

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the maturational development of 20 (aged 32-36 weeks) premature newborns (PNBs) without clinical or neurological complications from birth until term. METHOD: The Saint-Anne Dargassies Scale was applied every two weeks until the age of 37 weeks. RESULTS: The PNBs showed normal Apgar and the growth in head circumference was adequate for postmentrual age. The Friedman ANOVA test found a significant difference only for the heel-to-ear angles from birth until term. The Saint-Anne Dargassies Scale detected changes in 11 PNBs and the most altered reflexes were: cardinal points, Moro, cross extension reflexe and automatic walking. These changes were found in the first 48 hours of life and in subsequent weeks until term. CONCLUSION: This finding alone justifies the neurological examination of PNBs, even if they show no clinical/neurological complications in the perinatal period and the importance of neuromotor assessment in preterm infants, as it enables detection and appropriate intervention.