Psychological status at 8-9 years of age in children with birth weight below 1,501 grams.
Ulvund SE, Smith L, Lindemann R.
Pedagogisk forskningsinstitutt Universitetet i Oslo Postboks 1092 Blindern 0317 Oslo.
s.e.ulvund@ped.uio.no
BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that many children with low birth weight show signs of developmental disorders. Research and clinical experience indicate that gestational age is related to outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differential outcome of children with gestational age < or = 28 weeks and those who were born later. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 104 infants with birth weight < or = 1,500 g (53 girls) who were followed up to age eight years, with subsequent testing of school-related achievement at age nine years. Well-known instruments to identify developmental disorders and learning difficulties were used. RESULTS: The results showed that for the sample as a whole, AD/HD was the most prevalent disorder. There was a moderate degree of delay in intellectual development and of learning difficulties. In these areas there were significant differences in outcome in favour of the group with gestational age > 28 weeks. No significant sex differences were found, except in relation to mathematical skills, where boys performed better than girls. INTERPRETATION: As a group the children with very low birth weight had adequate intellectual and scholastic outcome. However, the prevalence of AD/HD was relatively high (27%). Low gestational age, but not dysmaturity, was associated with increased risk for poorer outcome.