Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements in Very Preterm Infants
Author Information
Author(s): Katarina Strand-Brodd, Uwe Ewald, Helena Grönqvist, Gerd Holmström, Bo Strömberg, Erik Grönqvist, Claes von Hofsten, Kerstin Rosander
Primary Institution: Uppsala University
Hypothesis
The development of smooth pursuit is delayed or impaired in very preterm infants.
Conclusion
Oculo-motor development measured by smooth pursuit eye movements is delayed in very preterm infants at 2 and 4 months corrected age.
Supporting Evidence
- Very preterm infants showed lower gain and proportion of smooth pursuit eye movements compared to term infants.
- Boys had higher gain of smooth pursuit eye movements than girls at both 2 and 4 months corrected age.
- Smooth pursuit development is crucial for later perceptual and behavioral outcomes.
Takeaway
Very preterm babies have a harder time following moving things with their eyes compared to babies born on time.
Methodology
Smooth pursuit eye movements were measured in very preterm infants at 2 and 4 months corrected age and compared to a control group of healthy term infants.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias in the recruitment of control infants.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting visual development in preterm infants.
Participant Demographics
The study included 81 very preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 28 + 5 weeks and 32 healthy term infants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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