Neurodevelopmental outcome over time of preterm born children ≤750g at birth

M. J. Claas*, L. S. de Vries, H. W. Bruinse, I. C. van Haastert, M. M A Uniken Venema, L. M. Peelen, C. Koopman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are at risk of cognitive impairment and follow-up is therefore of major importance. The age at which their neurodevelopmental outcome (NDO) can reliably be predicted differs in the literature. Aims: To describe NDO at 2, 3.5 and 5.5. years in an ELBW cohort. To examine the value of NDO at 2. years corrected age (CA) for prediction of NDO at 3.5 and 5.5. years. Study design: A retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study. Subjects: 101 children with a BW. ≤ 750. g, born between 1996 and 2005, who survived NICU admission and were included in a follow-up program. Outcome measures: NDO, measured with different tests for general development and intelligence, depending on age of assessment and classified as normal (Z-score. ≥ -1), mildly delayed (-2. ≤ Z-score. <-1) or severely delayed (Z-score. <-2). Results: At 2, 3.5 and 5.5. years 74.3, 82.2 and 76.2% had a normal NDO. A normal NDO at 2. years CA predicted a normal NDO at 3.5 and 5.5. years in 92% and 84% respectively. Of the children with a mildly or severely delayed NDO at 2. years CA the majority showed an improved NDO at 3.5 (69.2%) and 5.5. years (65.4%) respectively. Conclusions: The majority of the children with a BW. ≤ 750. g had a normal NDO at all ages. A normal NDO at 2. years CA is a good predictor for normal outcome at 3.5 and 5.5. years, whereas a delayed NDO at 2. years CA is subject to change with the majority of the children showing a better NDO at 3.5 and 5.5. years.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)183-191
Number of pages9
JournalEarly Human Development
Volume87
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Extremely low birth weight children
  • Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales
  • Intelligence quotient

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