Congenital and developmental anomalies were identified by physical examination, hearing screening, and laboratory tests, in addition to renal screening, if necessary, for at least 24 months.
The neurodevelopment of infants was evaluated by the DQ using the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDSs), which include reflexes and reactions (voluntary, spontaneous, or learned), as well as postural reactions, locomotion, and coordination, constructive ability (which is influenced by motor development), and visible and audible communication; individual reactions regarding people and stimulations (depending mainly on the temperament of the child and the surroundings) were also evaluated. The results are expressed as scores for the five domains assessed: adaptability, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, language, and sociability. Each child was assigned a DQ in each of the five areas, resulting in a total of 270 items for the 54 children. A score