Adjusted age in pediatrics

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

The adjusted age is used to determine the age a premature child would be if they had been born “on time” (40 weeks of gestation). This is an important calculation since it will help the clinician understand how developed the child should be at this point in time. A premature baby may be 1 year old, but if they were born 8 weeks premature, then their level of development should be at 10 months.

Calculation

Adjusted age = Chronological age - (Prematurity)

Adjusted age = Chronological age - (Full term - Actual term)

Adjusted age = Chronological age - (40 weeks - Actual term)

Example Calculation

Baby who was born at 30 weeks of gestation on june 6 and the current date is December 10th

Chronological age: 7 months 0 weeks 4 days

Prematurity = (40 - 30 weeks of gestation) = 10 weeks premature

Adjusted age = Chronological age - 10weeks

Adjusted age = 4mo 2 weeks 4 days