Abstract
Dystonia (DT) is a common problem in the low birthweight infant. In order to investigate the incidence of DT and the relationship between persistent DT and developmental delay, we performed neuromuscular and developmental evaluations on 132 infants with BW ≤1750 g (45 have reached their 3 yr exam, 33 have reached 2 yr, 35 have reached 18 mos. and 19 have reached 12 mos.). Hypertonicity is the most common type of DT with a peak incidence of 83% at 6 months corrected age (CA). In contrast, hypotonicity is relatively uncommon, with a peak incidence of 18% at 3 mos. CA. Resolution of DT occurs steadily; at their latest exam, 70% of 18 mo. olds, 86% of 24 mos. olds and 92% of 3 year olds had normal tone. Developmental scores of the normal (No DT) and the dystonic members of the 18, 24 and 36 mos. cohorts were compared. The results of developmental testing (mean ± SD) are summarized below.
Conclusions: Dystonia in most preterm infants less than 2 yr CA should be considered a common but transient problem. Persistent dystonia, however, occurs in a small number of infants and should be viewed with concern. The developmental progress of those infants should be carefully assessed.
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Malin, S., Hofiman-Williamson, M., Daft, A. et al. 781 INCIDENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF DYSTONIA IN THE LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANT. Pediatr Res 19, 241 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00811
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00811