Language Outcomes in Moderate-to-Late Preterm Infants at 2 Years of Corrected Age

Purpose: Moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT) infants born at 32 to 35 weeks of gestation are often considered to be at low risk for developmental delays. However, emerging evidence suggests vulnerabilities in language development. This study aimed to evaluate language outcomes in MLPT infants at a corrected age of approximately 2 years.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 82 preterm infants (29 early preterm infants aged <32 weeks; 53 MLPT) followed up at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital Growth and Development Clinic. Language assessments included the Korean Developmental Screening Test (K-DST); Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III); and Sequenced Language Scale for Infants (SELSI).Results: BSID-III assessments revealed a significant language delay (<–2 standard deviation) in 25.0% of early preterm infants and 10.4% of MLPT infants, with mild delays in 20.8% and 25.0%, respectively. SELSI showed significant language delay (<–2 SD) in 68.8% of early preterm and 56.0% of MLPT infants. No statistically significant differences were observed between early preterm and MLPT infants in the prevalence of severe language delay or the need for speech therapy, suggesting that MLPT infants remain at a comparable risk for language developmental difficulties. Overall, 26.4% of the infants with MLPT required speech therapy.Conclusion: Infants with MLPT were at a considerable risk of language delay. Regular developmental surveillance, language assessment at 2 years of age, and timely intervention are essential for optimizing outcomes.