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Published on: January 7, 2018
Psychomotor and intellectual development of children born with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)
B Puga1, A Ferrández Longás, R García Romero
1Andrea Prader Center for Study of Growth and Development, Zaragoza, Spain.
Insights
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) negatively impacts children's intellectual development, regardless of catch-up growth. Socio-economic status has a minor effect later in childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant concern due to its potential long-term effects on child development.
- Understanding the factors influencing intellectual outcomes in children born with IUGR is crucial for early intervention and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychomotor and intellectual development of children born with IUGR.
- To investigate the influence of catch-up growth and socio-economic status on the long-term intellectual outcomes of these children.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of 60 children born with IUGR over several years.
- Utilized standardized psychometric tests to evaluate cognitive and motor development.
- Examined the correlation between catch-up growth, socio-economic status, and intellectual outcomes.
Main Results:
- A significant negative impact of IUGR on intellectual outcome was observed, independent of catch-up growth.
- Children exhibiting catch-up growth demonstrated better developmental trajectories compared to those without.
- Socio-economic status showed a limited influence, primarily noticeable at older ages.
Conclusions:
- IUGR has a lasting detrimental effect on intellectual development in children.
- While catch-up growth may offer some benefits, it does not fully mitigate the cognitive impact of IUGR.
- Early and continued monitoring is essential for children born with IUGR to support their developmental needs.
Abstract:
The possible impact of IUGR on the intellectual outcome of children born with IUGR gives special relevance to this condition. In order to determine the psychomotor and intellectual development of such children, we analyzed the evolution of 60 children through appropriate tests, along the years, and the possible influence of two factors, the socio-economic status of the family, and whether or not there was catch-up growth. Our results show a negative impact of IUGR on the intellectual outcome of these children, independent of catch-up growth, although those with catch-up growth showed better evolution. The socio-economic status plays a limited role only at older age. Those children followed longitudinally for 1 year did not show any amelioration of their IQ.
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