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Development and behaviour of low-birthweight term infants at 8 years in northeast Brazil: a longitudinal study

Alan M Emond1, Pedro I C Lira, Marilia C Lima

  • 1Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. alan.emond@bristol.ac.uk

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|September 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Low-birthweight (LBW) infants showed similar cognitive development to appropriate-birthweight (ABW) infants by school age. Head circumference, not birthweight, predicted IQ, highlighting the importance of early head growth for cognitive outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Child Psychology
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Low-birthweight (LBW) is a significant global health concern affecting child development.
  • Understanding the long-term developmental trajectories of LBW infants is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of LBW children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the developmental and behavioral outcomes of low-birthweight (LBW) term infants with appropriate-birthweight (ABW) term infants.
  • To identify predictors of cognitive development in LBW infants.
  • To assess the impact of social and environmental factors on the development of LBW children.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study design was employed in northeast Brazil.
  • Two groups of term infants were enrolled at birth: LBW (1500-2499 g) and ABW controls (3000-3499 g).
  • At 8 years of age, 164 children underwent clinical and psychological assessments, including the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children.

Main Results:

  • LBW children exhibited lower IQ scores on the performance scale of the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children compared to ABW children.
  • LBW children demonstrated poorer dynamic balance and eye-hand coordination but better selective attention.
  • Maternal education, home stimulation, and school type were significant determinants of IQ, independent of social background.

Conclusions:

  • After accounting for social background, LBW term infants did not show significant differences in cognitive function compared to ABW infants at school age.
  • Head circumference at birth and at 6 months of age was a stronger predictor of IQ than birthweight.
  • Early head growth and environmental factors play a critical role in the cognitive development of children, irrespective of initial birthweight category.
Abstract

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