Sensory-motor regulation in infants aged 2-15 months, with a history of prematurity within the early stimulation outpatient clinic of the Mónica Pretelini Sáenz Maternal Perinatal Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three quarters of deaths caused by prematurity could be prevented with available, cost-effective interventions. In Mexico, in-hospital care aimed at neonates is considered heterogeneous and deficient, while early stimulation programs for infants traditionally include parent education aimed at achieving developmental milestones through ambiguous techniques, excluding psychosocial factors within therapeutic interventions. Objective: Identify the sensorimotor alterations presented in infants between 2 and 15 months of age with a history of prematurity, promoting therapeutic interventions related to their needs. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional observational study was carried out where the clinical record of each infant was reviewed. After applying the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) scale, the results were taken. 54 infants with a history of prematurity, for correct interpretation the Gross Motor Scale (GMFCS) was used, obtaining a predictive functional diagnosis of each one to subsequently design intervention recommendations based on the identified needs. Results: Of 54 infants included in the study, 35 were male and 19 were female. Of 40 infants evaluated between 3 - 6 months, 4 (7,4%) had scores less than 35 points, 22 (40,74%) had scores between 40 - 59 points and 14 (25,92%) had scores between 60 - 70. Of 10 infants evaluated at 6 - 9 months 1 (1,8%) presented scores less than 35 points, which represents a high risk of not only achieving independent mobility, but also of suffering from CP. While 1 (1,8%) scores between 40 – 59 points and 8 (14,81%) score above 70 points. No infants between 9 - 12 months were reported. Finally, 4 infants evaluated at 12 - 15 months, representing 7,4% of the total, reached the maximum score of the instrument applied (78 points).Finally, 49 (90.740%) infants were found with a GMFCS of I - II and a minority of 5 (9.259%) at levels IV - V. Conclusion: Follow-up of infants after discharge is essential for the prevention and detection of disorders in neurodevelopment, in addition to being opportune for adequate adherence to the treatment of these, complemented by the offering of sensory-motor experiences, it is possible to promote and adapt cutting-edge therapeutic interventions to the economic, social and cultural conditions of the Mexican population.