Objective:

To describe neurodevelopmental outcomes and post-discharge growth trajectories up to 12 months corrected age and identify associated factors in a predominantly enteral-fed cohort of VLBWIs.

Approach:

• Study Design: A retrospective cohort study conducted at Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa (2021–2022) involving VLBWIs who received predominantly enteral nutrition.
• Assessment Method: Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected age.
• Statistical Analysis: Associations between clinical variables and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) were evaluated using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and logistic regression.

Key Findings:

• 64.2% of infants attended the 12-month assessment.
• Mean HINE score was 75.2 ± 7.7, with 5/190 (2.6%) classified as abnormal.
• Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) was common (33.7%) but not associated with NDI at 12 months.
• Late-onset sepsis and metabolic bone disease were associated with increased odds of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The study was conducted in a single center, which may limit generalizability.
• Estimates of associations were imprecise in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion:

Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine if later-emerging neurodevelopmental impairments become apparent beyond infancy.