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Pune low birth weight study--a six year follow up
S Chaudhari1, M R Bhalerao, A Chitale
1Department of Pediatrics, K.E.M. Hospital, Pune 411 011, India.
Insights
Low birth weight (LBW) infants show normal intelligence but higher rates of borderline IQ. Maternal education positively impacts cognitive development, while environmental factors play a crucial role.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant global health concern.
- LBW infants are at increased risk for developmental challenges.
- Understanding the long-term impact of LBW and associated factors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intelligence, visuo-motor perception, emotional indicators, and preschool skills in LBW infants.
- To assess the influence of social and environmental factors on the development of LBW infants.
- To compare developmental outcomes between LBW infants and normal birth weight controls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study design.
- Assessment of LBW infants using standardized tests for intelligence (Stanford Binet), visuo-motor perception (Bender Gestalt), and emotional indicators (Human Figure Drawing).
- Detailed evaluation of socio-economic status, environment, hearing, vision, and school progress.
Main Results:
- LBW children had a mean IQ of 94.3, significantly lower than controls (101.3), with preterm SGA infants scoring lowest.
- Poorer visuo-motor perception, preschool skills, and language development were observed in LBW children.
- Maternal education and housing spaciousness positively correlated with IQ, while chronic medical problems had a negative impact.
Conclusions:
- While mean IQ in LBW children is within normal limits, the incidence of borderline intelligence (IQ 70-85) is significantly higher than in controls.
- Maternal education is a key positive factor influencing cognitive development in LBW infants.
- Longer follow-up is needed to identify children at risk for learning difficulties.
Objective:
To evaluate the intelligence, visuo-motor perception, emotional problems and preschool skills in low birth weight (LBW) infants and the impact of social and environmental factors on their development.
Design:
A prospective cohort study.
Setting:
Infants discharged from a Neonatal Special Care Unit of a referral hospital with birth weight less than 2000 g followed up in the High Risk Clinic.
Methods:
Low birth weight infants were assessed by Stanford Binet Scales of intelligence, Bender Gestalt Test for visuo-motor perception, Human Figure Drawing for emotional indicators and occupational therapy assessment. A detailed evaluation of their environment and socio-economic status was done. Hearing and ophthalmic assessment was also done and the school progress report was scrutinized.
Results:
Two hundred and one LBW and seventy one control children were assessed. The mean IQ of LBW children was within normal limits (94.3), though significantly lower than controls (101.3). Preterm SGA children had the lowest mean IQ. Visuo-motor perception and preschool skills and language development was poorer in LBW children. There was no difference in the emotional indicators. Thirteen per cent of LBW children had borderline IQ, as compared to 5.6% in controls (p<0.05). Mother's education and spaciousness of the house had a positive impact and chronic medical problems had a negative impact on the IQ.
Conclusions:
The mean IQ of LBW children was within normal limits. The incidence of children with borderline intelligence (IQ 70-85) was significantly higher than controls. Mother's education had a positive impact on the intelligence of the children. A longer follow up is necessary to identify "slow learners".
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