This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES. The objective of this study was to assess crying behavior during infancy in very preterm infants with or without brain injury.
METHODS. A total of 125 very low birth weight infants survived during January 2001 to July 2004 in Turku University Hospital, Finland. They were categorized according to the most pathologic brain finding either in ultrasound or MRI. Baby Day Diary was used to assess crying behavior at term, 6 weeks, and 5 months of corrected age. The behavior of a group of term control infants (n = 49) was assessed at 5 months.
RESULTS. Severe brain injuries in very low birth weight infants did not affect the duration of fussing or crying. In very low birth weight infants, brain injuries did not affect the frequency of fussing or crying bouts or the development of circadian rhythm in crying behavior. At 5 months of corrected age, fussing bouts were more frequent in very low birth weight infants compared with term control infants (6.4 per day vs 4.5 per day), and very low birth weight infants were held more (169 minutes [97] vs 130 minutes [69], respectively).
CONCLUSIONS. This prospective study using a validated cry diary showed that brain injuries that are related to prematurity do not have major effects on crying behavior or development of circadian rhythm. Prematurity does not increase the duration but increases the frequency of fussing and crying at 5 months of corrected age compared with term control infants. It also seems that prematurity and brain pathology may increase caregiving activity in the form of holding.
- Accepted January 6, 2006.
- Copyright © 2006 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Individual Login
Institutional Login
You may be able to gain access using your login credentials for your institution. Contact your librarian or administrator if you do not have a username and password.
Log in through your institution
Pay Per Article - You may access this article (from the computer you are currently using) for 2 days for US$25.00
Regain Access - You can regain access to a recent Pay per Article purchase if your access period has not yet expired.