Analysis of sensory processing in preterm infants

• Preterm infants showed alterations in sensory processing.
• Preterm infants showed poor performance in reactivity to tactile deep pressure and reactivity to vestibular stimulation.
• Tactile defensiveness and poor postural control may reflect a delay in development.
• Preterm infants should be referred for early intervention and followed up until preschool years.

BackgroundPremature birth suggests condition of biological vulnerability, predisposing to neurological injuries, requiring hospitalization in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, which, while contributing to increase the survival rates, expose infants to sensory stimuli harmful to the immature organism.AimsTo evaluate the sensory processing at 4 and 6 months' corrected age.Subjects and methodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample of 30 infants divided into an experimental group composed of preterm infants (n = 15), and a control group composed of full-term infants (n = 15). The infants were assessed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants.ResultsThe preterm infants showed poor performance in the total score of the test in reactivity to tactile deep pressure and reactivity to vestibular stimulation. When groups were compared, significant differences in the total score (p = 0.0113) and in the reactivity to tactile deep pressure (p < 0.0001) were found.ConclusionAt 4 and 6 months of corrected age, the preterm infants showed alterations in sensory processing. These changes were most evident in reactivity to tactile deep pressure and vestibular stimulation.