Abstract

Introduction. The task of contemporary neonatology is not only to save the lives of children born prematurely, but also to provide them with the highest possible quality of life. One of the methods of assessing the quality of general movement patterns is the Prechtl method, which enables early identification of immaturity or damage to the central nervous system. Aim. Dynamic assessment of the type and quality of GMs (General Movements) in preterm infants to determine the indications for early neurodevelopmental support and to determine the relationship between the occurrence of maternal and neonatal perinatal risk factors, and the type and quality of general movements. Material and method. Assessment was conducted in 90 infantsborn between 28 and 36 weeks gestational age. Dominant cases (57 cases) were infants brn between32 and 36 weeks GE. Most cases (48) received low Apgar score at 1 minute (≤ 7), including two born in very severe condition. The study included three GM assessments: I –up to 14 day post-natally, II at term and III between12 and 15 weeks corrected age. The analysis included gestational age, general condition of the newborn in Apgar score. Results. There is a close correlation with the gestational age of a preterm newborn, and the occurrence of damage to the nerve centers and the finding of abnormal global movements.It was confirmed that gestational age is important variables affecting the occurrence of abnormal general movements.

Key words:

general movements, preterm infants, perinatal risk factors, neurodevelopmental physiotherapy