Interexaminer Reliability of Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessments

Both the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment at Term and the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment From Birth to 6 Years Old are based on the same conceptual framework and both can be used throughout childhood; however, interobserver reliability must be evaluated before these assessments can be introduced into neurodevelopmental follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of both assessments. Infants between 29 and 37 weeks gestation were examined with the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment at Term (n = 33) and with the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment From Birth to 6 Years Old (n = 26). The infants were assessed by two examiners, one after and in the absence of the other. The kappa coefficient and percentage of agreement were calculated. The majority of items in both assessments showed an excellent reliability. The kappa coefficient for the final synthesis was also excellent in both cases. Future studies on the predictive validity of both assessments are required to determine their utility in predicting long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. (C) 2009 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.