Baby Moves: a smartphone application to measure neurodevelopmental outcomes among infants with retinopathy of prematurity

Despite superior structural and refractive outcomes for posterior type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), use of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) remains controversial due to potential systemic consequences of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition. As infants at the edge of viability continue to be resuscitated, it is incumbent upon ophthalmologists and neonatologists to minimize exposures that could increase the risk of neurocognitive impairment. Equally important, however, treatments that could prevent blindness, such as IVB, should not be withheld for spurious rationale. Traditional outcome measures, such as the Bayley Score of Infant Development (BSID), require follow-up over 24 months before confirming a diagnosis. In addition to postponing study results, a delay in diagnosis can impede early intervention during a time when therapy may be most effective. Although not widely used, the General Movement Assessment (GMA) is highly predictive of neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 months of age. Baby Moves is a smartphone application developed for caregivers to record infant movements, which are scored remotely by an expert GMA assessor. The Baby Moves app presents a cost-effective method to evaluate the systemic implications of ROP, as well as to initiate early intervention in this vulnerable population. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of the Baby Moves app as a predictor of developmental outcomes among infants screened for ROP at the Comer Children’s Hospital. Dr. Peyton will interpret all the BabyMoves videos and contact patients with results and triage accordingly.