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PEDIATRICS Vol. 113 No. 3 March 2004, pp. 634-640

SUPPLEMENT ARTICLE

History and Description of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Barry M. Lester, PhD* and Edward Z. Tronick, PhD{ddagger}

* Brown Medical School, Infant Development Center, Women and Infants Hospital and Bradley Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
{ddagger} Child Development Unit, Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

This article provides an introduction and background to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). First is a summary of the history of the field of infant assessment. This is followed by a description of the NNNS, including its basic features and how the NNNS differs from other examinations. We then describe the biobehavioral basis for the examination and review studies in which the NNNS has been used. Finally we discuss the developmental model on which the NNNS is based and consider the implications of using the examination.

Key Words: assessment • at-risk infant • drug exposure • infant • low birth weight • neonatal • neurobehavioral • NNNS • prematurity

Abbreviations: NNNS, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale • NBAS, Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale • APIB, Assessment of the Preterm Infant’s Behavior • CNS, central nervous system • DTO, diluted tincture of opium • SDA, state-dependent administration

Received for publication Apr 28, 2003; Accepted Oct 8, 2003.