Characteristics of General Movements Formation in Children with Perinatal Pathology

A BSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to study the characteristics of general movements (GMs) formation in children with perinatal pathology. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study included 327 newborns (120 full-term and 207 preterm) with various perinatal pathologies (hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, toxic–metabolic encephalopathy, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, etc.). This prospective cohort study evaluated 327 newborns with perinatal pathology. Qualitative GMs (Writhing [Wr], poor repertoire [PR], and cramped-synchronized [CS]) were assessed at 42 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), and “fidgety” movements at 52 weeks PMA, supplemented by quantitative GM optimality score revised (GMOS-R), and motor optimality score (MOS) scales. Statistical analysis employed nonparametric tests. Results: In full-term infants, normal movements (Wr) predominated in mild HIE (82.2%) and toxic–metabolic encephalopathy (70.6%), whereas they were absent in severe HIE (Grade III). The pathological PR type was more frequent in neonatal jaundice (78.6%) and hypoglycemia (75%). CS movements were recorded mainly in severe HIE (40%). In preterm infants, the PR pattern was dominant across all pathology groups. The absence of transition to normal “fidgety” movements by 52-week PMA was noted in 13.8% of full-term and 10.6% of preterm infants and was associated with severe central nervous system lesions. Quantitative GMOS-R and MOS scores in the study sample differed from reference values, indicating population specificity. Conclusions: Early GMs quality is pathology specific. GM’s assessment effectively identifies infants at high risk for cerebral palsy, supporting its clinical integration for timely intervention.