Determinants of handgrip strength at age 2 years in children born moderate and late preterm and associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) indicates current and future health. Although preterm infants have an increased risk of poor grip strength in later life, its determinants and relationship with neurodevelopment are not well understood.

Aims: To determine HGS in children born preterm and explore the relationship of HGS with demography, anthropometry, nutritional factors, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study of moderate-late preterm babies enrolled in a randomised trial of nutritional support strategies, the DIAMOND trial.

Subjects: A total of 116 children born between 32 and 35 weeks' gestation, whose HGS was measured at 2 years' corrected age.

Outcome Measures: HGS was measured using a dynamometer, and neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III. Anthropometry and body composition were assessed at birth, discharge, and at 4 months' and 2 years' corrected age. Information on demographics and breastfeeding practices, including type of milk at discharge and duration of exclusive breastfeeding, was collected using questionnaires.

Results: The mean (standard deviation) HGS was 2.26 (1.07) kg. The Bayley scores were < 85 (-1 standard deviation) in 6 %, 20 %, and 1 % for the cognitive, language, and motor scales, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that HGS was positively associated with language and motor scores (p < .05) after adjusting for confounding factors. HGS was not associated with sex, anthropometry, body composition, or breastfeeding practices. Maternal education was independently associated with HGS (p < .01).

Conclusions: HGS at age 2 years in children born moderate-late preterm is associated with language and motor development and maternal education level.