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 κ coefficient and percentage of agreement were calculated. The majority of items in both assessments showed an excellent reliability. The κ 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.