Vital signs reveal three stages of maturation in preterm infants
· Medical Xpressby Eindhoven University of Technology
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Every year, thousands of babies are born prematurely, interrupting critical stages of development. Researchers Giulia Palladino and Julia Meijer from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Máxima Medical Center have gained new insights into the development of preterm infants. Their findings may contribute to better care and support for these vulnerable infants in the future.
Doctors continuously monitor vital signs such as heart rate, breathing and oxygen levels in preterm infants. However, it can be difficult to distinguish normal developmental changes from early signs of complications. To address this challenge, the researchers analyzed six weeks of physiological monitoring data from 251 infants born before 30 weeks' gestation.
Three distinct stages
The research conducted by Palladino and Meijer shows how vital signs normally develop during the first weeks of life and how these patterns change when serious health complications occur. The researchers identified three distinct stages of physiological maturation. Deviations from the typical developmental pattern were associated with a higher risk of cognitive and motor impairments at 2 years of age. The findings were published in the journal Pediatric Research.
Earlier recognition
The findings provide clinicians with valuable reference patterns that may help them recognize abnormal development at an earlier stage. As a result, the study also lays important groundwork for future AI-driven monitoring systems that could help health care professionals identify health risks more quickly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
The ultimate goal is to use existing patient data to better assess the health status of vulnerable infants without requiring new monitoring technologies.
Combining expertise
The research was conducted within the Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), where Máxima Medical Center, Catharina Hospital, Philips, Kempenhaege and TU/e collaborate on health care innovations. "Within e/MTIC, we have the opportunity to combine the expertise of engineers and health care professionals," Palladino explains. "This allows us to develop research questions with real impact and produce results that are directly relevant to clinical practice."
Publication details
Giulia Palladino et al, Maturational physiology in preterm infants: morbidity impact and 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome, Pediatric Research (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41390-026-05229-4
Journal information: Pediatric Research
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PediatricsChildren's health Eindhoven University of Technology Who's behind this story?
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