The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Neurodevelopment in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Infants: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing measures have disrupted various aspects of child development, with particular concern for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where heightened vulnerabilities and limited external stimuli may exacerbate neurodevelopmental risks. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants admitted to NICUs at birth, comparing neurodevelopmental indicators from before and during the pandemic period. Materials and Methods: A retrospected matched cohort study was conducted on infants admitted to NICUs at birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with neurodevelopmental evaluations carried out at 6 and 12 months of age. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III, 2006). Results: From September 2020 to December 2021, a total of 114 infants were consecutively enrolled in the study, with a matched control group selected. Analyses revealed no significant differences in Bayley-III scores between infants in the pandemic group and those in the control group. Conclusion: Short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for NICU infants were unexpectedly unaffected by the additional stress of pandemic-related restrictions.