Early speech therapy is associated with decreased length of stay in preterm infants <28 weeks gestational age.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the timing of speech therapy (ST) on the length of stay (LOS) and developmental outcomes in preterm infants born at less than 28 weeks gestational age. Results indicated that infants who received ST before 40 weeks postmenstrual age had a significantly shorter LOS, reduced risk of aspiration, and better developmental scores at 12 months compared to those who started therapy later. The findings suggest that early intervention with speech therapy may improve clinical outcomes for this vulnerable population.