corrected gestational age
The age calculated from the expected due date rather than birth date, used to assess development in premature infants.
Full Definition
Corrected gestational age, also known as adjusted age, is a critical concept in pediatric medicine for assessing the growth and development of premature infants. It is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks born early from the chronological age. For example, a 4-month-old infant born 8 weeks premature would have a corrected gestational age of 2 months. This adjustment is essential for appropriate developmental assessment, as premature infants should not be expected to meet the same milestones as full-term infants of the same chronological age. Corrected age is typically used until 2-3 years of age, when the difference becomes less clinically significant. This concept is fundamental in neonatology and developmental pediatrics for accurate evaluation of growth parameters, motor skills, and cognitive development.
Usage
Usage note: Essential concept in preterm infant care; always specify whether using chronological or corrected age in documentation.
In Context
- "Developmental assessment should be based on corrected gestational age rather than chronological age in this former 28-week infant." — Developmental pediatrics consultation
- "At 12 months chronological age, the infant's corrected gestational age is 9 months, which is appropriate for current developmental milestones." — NICU follow-up clinic note