chronological age correction
The practice of adjusting a premature infant's age for developmental assessment based on their due date rather than birth date.
Full Definition
Chronological age correction, also called adjusted age or corrected age, is a calculation used when assessing the development of premature infants. The corrected age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks born early from the child's chronological age. This adjustment is typically used for developmental assessments until age 2-3 years, as it provides a more accurate picture of expected developmental milestones. For example, a 12-month-old infant born 8 weeks premature would have a corrected age of 10 months. This practice ensures that premature infants are not inappropriately identified as having developmental delays when their development is actually appropriate for their corrected age.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'corrected age' in clinical documentation rather than 'adjusted age' for consistency.
In Context
- "The assessment was conducted using chronological age correction to account for the child's 6-week prematurity." — Developmental assessment report
- "At 18 months chronological age with correction for 10-week prematurity, developmental milestones are appropriate." — Pediatric consultation note