Assessing Intellectual and Motor Outcomes in High-risk Infants

Launched by UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK · Feb 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to improve the diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) in babies who are at high risk of developing this condition. Cerebral palsy affects movement and muscle control and can sometimes lead to learning difficulties. Many babies who are considered at higher risk, like those born prematurely or with certain brain injuries, may not actually develop CP, but it can take a long time—up to 2 years—to find out for sure. The goal of this study is to use new tests to help identify those who may develop CP earlier, so they can receive the support they need sooner.

To participate, babies must be in the high-risk category, which includes those born very early (before 32 weeks) or with specific brain concerns. The study is open to all infants, including those born full term who have no early health issues. Participants will be followed in clinics at several hospitals in Ireland, and the study will involve assessments to better understand their motor and cognitive development. This research is important because it aims to provide quicker diagnoses and better outcomes for children at risk of CP.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - (High Risk Group)
• • Legal guardians must be able and willing to give written informed consent and to comply with the requirements of this study protocol.
• All infants considered high risk for a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and neuro-developmental impairment will be eligible, specifically including:
• • All preterm infants born ≤32 weeks Post Menstrual Age or ≤1500 gm birth weight
• • All encephalopathic infants
• • Neurological risk factors (e.g., cerebral birth defect, injury/malformation on neuroimaging, persistently abnormal neurological exam)
• • (Control Group)
• All full term infants will be eligible if:
• • Term infants born \> 37 weeks gestational age
• • Not admitted to the NICU
• • No neurological impairments at birth (no identified congenital or genetic abnormalities)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - (High Risk \& Control Groups)
• • Death prior to discharge from the neonatal unit (High-Risk Infants only)
• • No parental consent (High-Risk and Control Infants)