A Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form for Measuring Physical Function During Geriatric Rehabilitation: Test-Retest Reliability, Construct Validity, Responsiveness, and Interpretability.

OBJECTIVES: To study the test-retest reliability and measurement error, construct validity, responsiveness, interpretability, and floor/ceiling effects of a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short form designed to measure physical function in geriatric rehabilitation patients (PROMIS-PF-GR). DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Inpatient geriatric rehabilitation patients. METHODS: We evaluated the test-retest reliability by re-administering PROMIS-PF-GR 3 to 5 days after the admission measurement. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine test-retest reliability; an ICC of ≥0.70 was considered sufficient. Measurement error was established by calculating the standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change. Construct validity and responsiveness were determined by testing a priori formulated hypotheses (criterion: ≥75% hypothesis not rejected). Interpretability was evaluated by calculating the minimal important change using predictive modeling and a global rating as criterion for change. Floor/ceiling effects were established by calculating the percentage patients with the minimum/maximum raw score (criterion: ≤15%) at admission and discharge. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients participated in the study [mean ± standard deviation age (80 ± 8.3 years), 58% female]. More than one-half of patients (56%) reported to be improved during rehabilitation. The ICC was 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.70-0.84), the standardized error of measurement was 3.8, and the smallest detectable change 10.6. None of the 4 hypotheses for construct validity were rejected; 2 out of 5 hypotheses for responsiveness were rejected. The minimal important change was 8.0 (95% confidence interval 4.1-12.5). No floor/ceiling effects were found. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The PROMIS-PG-GR showed sufficient test-retest reliability, measurement error, and construct validity. We did not find sufficient evidence for responsiveness, which may be due to the unexplained weak correlation between the PROMIS change score and the Global Rating Scale. We still recommend the use the PROMIS-PG-GR for measuring self-reported physical function in geriatric rehabilitation.

Atypical general movements in the general population: Prevalence over the last 15 years and associated factors.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of atypical general movements (GMs) in the general population, to examine its time trend and associated factors. METHODS: Participants consisted of 300 infants born in 2016-2018 (current cohort; gestational age 39.4 weeks (27-42); 162 boys), representative of the Dutch population. GMs were assessed at 2-4 months corrected age in terms of GM-complexity (definitely abnormal (DA) or not) and fidgety movements (present or absent). GM-complexity data from a cohort of 455 Dutch infants born in 2001-2002 were used to investigate the time trend. RESULTS: In the current cohort, 10 infants (3%) showed DA GM-complexity and 8 (3%) absent fidgety movements. Only one infant had both GM-impairments (0.3%). The prevalence of DA GM-complexity did not differ from that in the 2001-2002 cohort (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.47 [0.53, 4.06]). DA GM-complexity was associated with maternal smoking (adjusted OR = 3.59 [1.56, 8.28]) and marginally with prematurity (adjusted OR = 2.78 [1.00, 7.74]); absence of fidgety movements was curvilinearly associated with assessment age only (OR = 1.06 [1.01, 1.12]). CONCLUSION: In the general population, the prevalence of DA GM-complexity and absent fidgety movements is 3%. The finding that they rarely co-occur and are associated with different factors indicates that GM-assessment needs to address both aspects.

Goal-setting in geriatric rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE:: To explore the effect of goal-setting on physical functioning, quality of life and duration of rehabilitation in geriatric rehabilitation compared to care as usual. DATA SOURCES:: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library were searched from initiation to October 2018. METHODS:: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before-after studies and studies using historic controls of older patients (mean age ⩾55 years) receiving rehabilitation for acquired disabilities. Our primary outcome was physical functioning; secondary outcomes were quality of life and rehabilitation duration. Cochrane guidelines were used to assess the risk of bias of the studies and extract data. Only RCT data were pooled using standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS:: We included 14 studies consisting of a total of 1915 participants with a mean age ranging from 55 to 83 years. Ten out of the 14 studies had a randomized controlled design, 7 of which could be pooled for the primary outcome. The risk of bias was judged high in several domains in all included studies. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between goal-setting and care as usual for physical functioning (SMD -0.11 (-0.32 to 0.10)), quality of life (SMD 0.09 (-0.56 to 0.75)) and rehabilitation duration (MD 13.46 days (-2.46 to 29.38)). CONCLUSION:: We found low-quality evidence that goal-setting does not result in better physical functioning compared to care as usual in geriatric rehabilitation. For quality of life and duration of rehabilitation, we could not exclude a clinically relevant effect.

Measurement Properties of the Barthel Index in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: The Barthel index (BI) is a widely used observer-based instrument to measure physical function. Our objective is to assess the structural validity, reliability, and interpretability of the BI in the geriatric rehabilitation setting. DESIGN: Two studies were performed. First, a prospective cohort study was performed in which the attending nurses completed the BI at admittance and discharge (n = 207). At discharge, patients rated their change in physical function on a 5-point Likert rating scale. To assess the internal structure of the BI, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Unidimensionality was defined by comparative fit index and Tucker-Lewis index of >0.95, and root mean square error of approximation of <0.06. To evaluate interpretability, floor/ceiling effects and the minimal important change (MIC) were assessed. Predictive modeling was used to calculate the MIC. The MIC was defined as going home and minimal patient-reported improvement defined as slightly or much improved physical function, which served as anchors to obtain a clinical- and patient-based MIC. A second group of 37 geriatric rehabilitation patients were repeatedly assessed by 2 attending nurses to assess reliability of the BI. The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable change were calculated. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients receiving inpatient geriatric rehabilitation admitted to 11 Dutch nursing homes (n = 244). RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis showed partly acceptable fit of a unidimensional model (comparative fit index 0.96, Tucker-Lewis index 0.95, and root mean square error of approximation 0.12). The clinical-based MIC was 3.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-4.2] and the patient-based MIC was 3.6 (95% CI 2.8-4.3). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.98). The standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change were 1.1 and 3.0 points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The structural validity, reliability, and interpretability of the BI are considered sufficient for measuring and interpreting changes in physical function of geriatric rehabilitation patients.

Patient-centred goal setting using functional outcome measures in geriatric rehabilitation: is it feasible?

BACKGROUND: Patient-centred goal setting is regarded as a beneficial intervention for geriatric rehabilitation. Nevertheless, its known laborious implementation in clinical practice remains an ongoing challenge. To improve implementation of patient-centred goal setting, the integration of goal setting with standardized measures has been proposed. Our objective of the current study was to explore the feasibility of Collaborative Functional Goal Setting (CFGS), i.e., using standardized functional measures to set and evaluate functional goals during geriatric rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three medical professionals working in two geriatric rehabilitation wards were trained in CFGS and interviewed at the end of the study. We aimed at including 20 patients who underwent the CFGS intervention and could participate in open interviews. Both interviews of the professionals and patients were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients were included in the study, five of which could be interviewed. Both patients and professionals expressed a need for patient-centred goal setting. Patients indicated that goals were mainly set by the professional and that a rehabilitation plan was either not presented or its content was not clear to them. In contrast, the professionals regarded CFGS as patient-centred and potentially helpful in facilitating the goal-setting process. Nevertheless, the professionals indicated having difficulty with the implementation of the intervention. CONCLUSION: In the current study, we demonstrated that patient-centred goal setting supported by functional measurements was not feasible in its present form which confirms the evidence from the literature that is difficult to perform patient-centred goal setting in clinical practice.

The Influence of Activity-Based Funding on Treatment Intensity and Length of Stay of Geriatric Rehabilitation Patients.

AIM: Little is known about the impact of activity-based funding (ABF) to increase treatment intensity and decrease length of stay (LOS) of inpatient geriatric patients. In January 2014, ABF was implemented in The Netherlands with the aim to increase treatment intensity and shorten LOS in geriatric rehabilitation (GR). OBJECTIVES: To describe the influence of ABF on treatment intensity and LOS of inpatient GR patients before and after ABF was implemented. DESIGN: Population-based, retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Thirty nursing homes providing inpatient GR across The Netherlands. DATA COLLECTION: Digital medical records of patients who had received inpatient GR in Dutch nursing homes across The Netherlands were studied between January 1, 2013 and March 14, 2016. We calculated the mean treatment intensity in hours per week and median LOS in days in 3 cohorts according to the year of admittance. In addition, a historical representative cohort of GR patients who were admitted in 2007 was studied that represented the situation before the ABF reform was announced (eg, funding with a fixed price per day). In 2013, the funding with a fixed price per day was still in use but with compulsory ABF registration. In 2014 and 2015, the ABF was fully implemented. Statistical differences in treatment intensity and LOS were calculated between patients admitted in 2007 and 2013, 2013 and 2014, and 2013 and 2015. Statistical significance was set at a P value of <.02 (Bonferroni correction P = .05/3). Discharge destinations of patients discharged from March 1, 2015 to January 1, 2016 could be obtained and compared with 2007. RESULTS: The treatment intensity and LOS of 16,823 GR patients could be obtained and compared with the historical cohort from 2007 (n = 2950). Patients who were admitted in the year 2013 received higher treatment intensities and had the same median LOS compared with 2007. After the implementation of ABF in January 2014, the mean treatment intensity increased significantly by 37% (3.8 hours/week in 2013, 4.7 hours/week in 2014, and 5.2 hours/week in 2015). This trend was significant across all rehabilitation diagnoses. After the implementation of ABF, the median LOS decreased significantly by 7 days (46 days in 2013, 42 days in 2014, and 39 days in 2015), which was consistent in all rehabilitation categories except for patients with a total joint replacement or amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received inpatient GR after introduction of ABF received higher treatment intensities and had a shorter LOS compared with the year before implementation.

Physician Treatment Orders in Dutch Nursing Homes.

OBJECTIVES: Physician treatment orders (PTOs) prevent burdensome unnecessary medical treatment of frail nursing home patients. The aim was to determine the prevalence of PTOs and time duration between nursing home admittance and PTO completion. DESIGN: Population-based, retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Nursing homes across the Netherlands. DATA COLLECTION: Digital medical records of patients who subsequently were submitted to 14 Dutch nursing homes across The Netherlands were studied between 2010 and 2013. The prevalence's of do-resuscitate, do-not-resuscitate, life-sustaining, and palliative care PTOs and the time intervals between nursing home admittance and documentation of PTOs were measured. Information regarding demographic patient characteristics, type of nursing home ward, and mention of a discussion of PTOs with the patient or caregivers was obtained. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of the nursing home patients received a PTO regarding resuscitation, life-sustaining, or palliative care treatment. Twenty-four percent of the patients received a do-resuscitation PTO, 55% received a do-not-resuscitate PTO, 44% a life-sustaining PTO, and 16% a palliative care PTO. The median duration between nursing home admittance and documentation of the first PTO was 1 day. Most nursing home patients had PTOs within 1 week after admittance. CONCLUSION: A minority (18%) of Dutch nursing home patients has no documented PTOs during their nursing home stay, which could have negative effects on end-of-life care of nursing home residents.

Predictive value of definitely abnormal general movements in the general population.

AIM: Definitely abnormal general movements in populations of high-risk infants predict serious neurodevelopmental impairment. This study aimed to assess predictive values of definitely abnormal general movements at 3 months for serious neurodevelopmental impairment in a representative sample of the general population. METHOD: A prospective cohort study of 455 3-month-old infants was performed (241 females, 214 males; mean birthweight 3452g, SD 604g; mean gestational age 39.4wks, SD 1.96; n=32 born preterm). At enrolment, general movement quality was assessed by means of video recording. At 4 years, all participants were reassessed by well-baby health clinicians; if serious neurodevelopmental impairment was identified, clinical records were reviewed. Predictive values of definitely abnormal general movement quality for major neurodevelopmental impairment were calculated. RESULTS: Five children were diagnosed as having a major neurodevelopmental disorder with serious implications for daily life, including three children with cerebral palsy (CP). Three out of the five had shown definitely abnormal general movements; they had lesions involving the periventricular white matter. Two children did not show definitely abnormal general movements; one had unilateral spastic CP due to a cortical lesion and the other had ataxia due to cerebellar atrophy. The positive predictive value of definitely abnormal general movements for major neurodevelopmental impairment was 18/100, and for CP it was 12/100. Negative predictive values approached 100%. INTERPRETATION: The good predictive value of general movement assessment in high-risk populations cannot be generalized to the general population.

Infant formula supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids has no effect on Bayley developmental scores at 18 months of age--IPD meta-analysis of 4 large clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: To find out whether supplementation of formula milk by long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) affects neurodevelopment at 18 months of age in term or preterm infants by an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 870 children from 4 large randomised clinical trials for formula milk with and without LCPUFAs allowed for assessing the effect of LCPUFA with adjustment for potential confounders and extensive subgroup analysis on prematurity, LCPUFA source, and dosage. Any additional clinical trials examining the effect of LCPUFA supplementation on Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 18 months were regarded as relevant. Two relevant studies were identified by MEDLINE, but were not available to us. An IPD meta-analysis was performed with subgroup analyses by preterm delivery, very low birth weight (<1500 g), trials with higher amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), and specific sources of LCPUFA. The sample size of 870 children was sufficient to detect clinically relevant differences in Bayley Scales even in subgroups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mental or psychomotor developmental indexes between LCPUFA-supplemented and control groups for all children or in subgroups. This was confirmed with adjustment for the possible confounders: sex, gestational age, birth weight, maternal age, and maternal smoking. The adjusted mean differences in mental developmental index and psychomotor developmental index for all of the children were -0.8 (95% confidence interval -2.8 to 1.2) and -1.0 (-2.7 to 0.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data based on considerable sample size provide substantial evidence that LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula does not have a clinically meaningful effect on the neurodevelopment as assessed by Bayley scores at 18 months. Inclusion of all relevant data should not have led to differing conclusions except, possibly, for very-low-birth-weight infants.

Prevalence of abnormal general movements in three-month-old infants.

BACKGROUND: The quality of general movements (GMs) is a sensitive tool to measure neurodevelopmental condition in early infancy. No information is available on prevalence rates of abnormal GMs in the general population. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of abnormal GMs in the general population of three-month-old infants and to evaluate the association of abnormal GM quality with medical and social risk factors. METHOD: We recruited 535 infants in six well baby clinics in The Netherlands. GMs were video-taped at the corrected age of 2 to 4 months. GM-quality was assessed by two persons unaware of the infant's history. GM-quality was classified as normal optimal (NO), normal suboptimal (SO), mildly abnormal (MA) and definitely abnormal (DA). Only the last category implies clinically relevant dysfunction. Social, perinatal and postnatal characteristics were collected and their association with DA and abnormal (DA+MA) GMs were evaluated by means of univariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: GM-quality could be assessed reliably in 455 infants (85%). Seventeen infants (3.7%) showed DA GMs and 113 (25%) MA GMs. DA GMs were associated with preterm birth and smoking during pregnancy; abnormal (DA+MA) GMs with preterm birth, a relatively low level of paternal profession and urban living conditions. These factors explained between 3% and 7% of variance. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that the prevalence of definitely abnormal GMs in the general population is 3.7% and that of mildly abnormal GMs 25%. The clinically relevant definitely abnormal GMs were associated with preterm birth and smoking during pregnancy.

Quality of general movements and psychiatric morbidity at 9 to 12 years.

BACKGROUND: General movements (GMs) form the basic motility of young infants. The quality of GMs may predict neurological outcome, but little is known about relationships between GM-quality and behavioral problems, including those resulting in overt psychiatric morbidity. AIM: To explore relationships between abnormal GMs and behavioral problems, in particular relationships between abnormal GMs and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with or without psychiatric co-morbidity at school-age. METHODS: Twenty-five low-risk full term infants and 16 infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorder but without cerebral palsy were studied prospectively. GM-quality was assessed during 'writhing' age (around term till 2 months post-term) and 'fidgety' age (2-4 months post-term). GMs were classified into normal and abnormal movements. When the children were 9-12 years, parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and provided information on the presence of psychiatric diagnoses; teachers completed the Teachers Report Form (TRF). Both parents and teachers completed a questionnaire on ADHD-like behavior. RESULTS: Abnormal GMs at 'writhing' and 'fidgety' age were related to the presence of ADHD with psychiatric co-morbidity (p<0.05), but not to isolated ADHD. Abnormal GMs at 'fidgety' age were weakly related to problematic behavior at school (TRF-scores) and hyperactive behavior at home (ADHD-questionnaire). CONCLUSIONS: This explorative study suggests that abnormal GMs in early infancy may be associated with an increased risk for behavioral problems, in particular for ADHD with psychiatric co-morbidity at school-age.

Prenatal and early postnatal fatty acid status and neurodevelopmental outcome.

The present review addresses the effect of pre- and postnatal supplementation of nutrition with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) on neurodevelopmental outcome. The few studies which addressed the effect of prenatal LCPUFA status or prenatal LCPUFA supplementation suggest that a better prenatal arachidonic acid (AA) and doxosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status might be related to a better neurodevelopmental outcome until at least 18 months of age. A review of the few randomized controlled trials on formula supplementation with LCPUFA in preterm infants did not provide evidence for a significant beneficial effect of LCPUFA on developmental outcome. A review of the trials on formula supplementation with LCPUFA in term infants revealed that supplementation with LCPUFA, in particularly supplementation with >or=0.30% DHA, has a beneficial effect on neurodevelopmental outcome until 4 months. The studies could not demonstrate a consistent positive effect beyond that age. It was concluded that the relatively subtle effects of LCPUFA supplementation on neurodevelopmental outcome do not only depend on dosage but also on the gestational period during which the nutritional components are supplied: supplementation prior to term seems to have more effect than that after term.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in maternal and infant nutrition.

Homo sapiens has evolved on a diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP). We have, however, gradually changed our diet from about 10,000 years ago and accelerated this change from about 100 to 200 years ago. The many dietary changes, including lower intake of omega3-fatty acids, are related to 'typically Western' diseases. After a brief introduction in essential fatty acids (EFA), LCP and their functions, this contribution discusses our present low status of notably LCPomega3 in the context of our rapidly changing diet within an evolutionary short time frame. It then focuses on the consequences in pregnancy, lactation and neonatal nutrition, as illustrated by some recent data from our group. We discuss the concept of a 'relative' EFA/LCP deficiency in the fetus as the outcome of high transplacental glucose flux. This flux may in the fetus augment de novo synthesis of fatty acids, which not only dilutes transplacentally transported EFA/LCP, but also causes competition of de novo synthesized oleic acid with linoleic acid for delta-6 desaturation. Such conditions were encountered by us in mothers with high body mass indices, diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. The unifying factor might be compromised glucose homeostasis. In search of the milk arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents of our African ancestors, we investigated women in Tanzania with high intakes of freshwater fish as only animal lipid source. These women had milk AA and DHA contents that were well above present recommendations for infant formulae. Both studies stimulate rethinking of 'optimal homeostasis'. Subtle signs of dysbalanced maternal glucose homeostasis may be important and observations from current Western societies may not provide us with an adequate basis for dietary recommendations.

Neurologic condition of healthy term infants at 18 months: positive association with venous umbilical DHA status and negative association with umbilical trans-fatty acids.

Prenatal long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and trans-fatty acids may affect neurodevelopment. In healthy term children, we determined relationships between relative fatty acid contents of umbilical arteries and veins and neurodevelopment at 18 mo. The study comprised a mixed group of 317 breast-fed, formula-fed, and LCPUFA formula-fed children. Study endpoints were the Hempel neurologic examination resulting in a neurologic classification and neurologic optimality score (NOS), and the Bayley Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) and Mental Developmental Index (MDI). Fifteen children showed minor neurologic dysfunction (MND). The umbilical vein trans, trans-18:2n-6 content was higher in children with MND than in the normal group. The NOS was significantly reduced in infants with an umbilical vein docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content within the lowest quartile. Umbilical vein arachidonic acid (AA) was related to NOS in univariate statistics but not in multivariate analyses. The sum of trans-fatty acids and that of C18 trans-fatty acids showed a negative association with NOS in both univariate and multivariate analyses. No associations were found between AA, DHA and total trans-fatty acids with PDI or MDI. In conclusion, neonates with a relatively low DHA status and those with high trans-fatty acid levels have a less favorable neurologic condition at 18 mo.

Relationship between umbilical cord essential fatty acid content and the quality of general movements of healthy term infants at 3 months.

Prenatal essential fatty acid (EFA) status might be an important factor in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the fatty acid compositions of the umbilical blood vessels at birth, used as a proxy of prenatal EFA status, and quality of general movements (GMs) at 3 mo. Umbilical artery and vein fatty acid compositions were investigated in a mixed group of breastfed infants and infants fed with formula with or without long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation. At the age of 3 mo, video assessment of the quality of GMs was performed to evaluate neurologic condition. The quality of GMs was scored by assessing the degree of variation, complexity, and fluency. Outcomes were classified as normal-optimal, normal suboptimal, mildly abnormal, and definitely abnormal movements. Information on potential confounders, including the type of postnatal feeding, was collected prospectively. Associations between fatty acid status at birth and quality of GMs were investigated, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were carried out. None of the infants showed definitely abnormal movements. Infants with mildly abnormal GMs had a lower EFA index, lower arachidonic acid (AA) content, higher total n-9 fatty acid, and higher total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in the umbilical artery compared with infants with normal GMs. Multivariate analyses confirmed these findings. We conclude that mildly abnormal GMs are associated with a less favorable EFA status in the umbilical artery.

Impaired maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy is associated with low status of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) and essential fatty acids (EFA) in the fetus.

Low status of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) and essential fatty acids (EFA) in the fetus is associated with less favorable neonatal neurological condition. A 'relative', rather than 'absolute' EFA deficiency might explain this finding. A relative EFA deficiency may derive from impaired maternal glucose homeostasis. We measured fatty acids in umbilical vessels of infants born to 7 mothers with (gestational) diabetes mellitus and of 258 infants born to healthy mothers. Umbilical veins of infants of diabetic mothers had higher omega7 and omega9 fatty acids and DHA deficiency index and lower 20:4omega6 and EFA index. Their umbilical arteries had higher omega7 and omega9 fatty acids, and lower 20:4omega6, LCP and EFA index. We conclude that children born to mothers with poor glucose homeostasis have lower EFA and LCP status, which is consistent with a 'relative deficiency' deriving from augmented de novo fatty acid synthesis from the abundant glucose.

Lower fetal status of docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid and essential fatty acids is associated with less favorable neonatal neurological condition.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids are abundant in brain and may be conditionally essential in fetal life. We investigated umbilical artery (UA) and vein (UV) fatty acid compositions and early neonatal neurological condition in 317 term infants. Neurological condition was summarized as a clinical classification and a 'neurological optimality score' (NOS). Neurologically abnormal infants (n=27) had lower UV DHA and essential fatty acid (EFA) status. NOS correlated positively with AA (UV), and EFA (UV) and DHA status (UV and UA) and negatively with 18:2omega6 and omega9 (UV), and 20:3omega9, omega7 and C18 trans fatty acids (UV and UA). UV DHA, AA, saturated fatty acids, gestational age and obstetrical optimality score explained 16.2% of the NOS variance. Early postnatal neurological condition seems negatively influenced by lower fetal DHA, AA and EFA status. C18 trans fatty acids and 18:2omega6 may exert negative effects by impairment of LCP status.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have a positive effect on the quality of general movements of healthy term infants.

BACKGROUND: Whether long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) play a role in the development of the young nervous system in term infants is debated. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether supplementation of formula with LCPs for 2 mo improves the quality of general movements (GMs) in healthy term infants at 3 mo of age. DESIGN: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted with 2 groups of healthy term infants: a control-formula (CF) group (n = 131) and an LCP-supplemented-formula (LF) group (n = 119). A breastfed (BF) group (n = 147) served as a reference. Information on potential confounders was collected at enrollment. Videotapes were made of the infants' spontaneous motor behavior at 3 mo of age to assess the quality of their GMs. On the basis of quality, normal GMs were classified as normal-optimal or normal-suboptimal, and abnormal GMs were classified as mildly or definitely abnormal. Attrition at 3 mo of age was 15% and nonselective. Multivariate regression analyses with adjustment for confounders were carried out to evaluate the effect of the type of feeding. RESULTS: None of the infants had definitely abnormal GMs. Infants in the CF group had mildly abnormal GMs significantly more often than did infants in the LF and BF groups (31% compared with 19% and 20%, respectively). Infants in the BF group had normal-optimal GMs more frequently than did infants in the LF and CF groups (34% compared with 18% and 21%, respectively). Logistic regression analyses confirmed these findings. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of healthy term infants with LCPs during the first 2 mo of life reduces the occurrence of mildly abnormal GMs.