Development of Preterm Infants Born During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Estudio Del Desarrollo de Los niños Prematuros Nacidos Durante la Pandemia Por el COVID-19

This study aims to evaluate differences in cognitive and psychomotor development among preterm infants (born before 34 weeks of gestation) delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, compared with a control group of preterm infants born at the same hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm babies (<34 weeks of gestation) born between March 2020 and December 2021 for case group).
• Preterm babies (<34 weeks of gestation) born between January 2023 to December 2024 (control group).
• Babies who were admitted to the NICU of the Hospital de Sant Pau.
• Babies who were followed up in External Consultations of the same hospital at least until their first year of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants ≥34 weeks or preterm born outside the periods described in the inclusion criteria.
• Concurrent diagnosis of genetic pathology or major malformations.
• Families who discontinued follow-up or did not attend scheduled appointments.