Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Risk factors associated with developmental abnormalities among high-risk children attended at a multidisciplinary
Rosa Resegue1, Rosana Fiorini Puccini, Edina Mariko Koga da Silva
1Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Embu, São Paulo, Brazil. rresegue@uol.com.br
Insights
Low birth weight and perinatal asphyxia are key risk factors for child developmental abnormalities. Early identification and focused care for these infants are crucial for better developmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Child development disorders pose significant challenges to healthcare.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective early intervention and high-quality childcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between various risk factors and the incidence of developmental abnormalities in children.
- To identify specific risk factors that predict developmental abnormalities in a high-risk pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study conducted at a multidisciplinary reference center.
- Analysis of 211 children followed for over three months, examining factors like low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, and maternal age.
- Statistical analysis included chi-squared tests and logistic regression for multivariate analysis.
Main Results:
- Over half (52.6%) of the children studied exhibited developmental abnormalities.
- Univariate analysis revealed significant links between developmental abnormalities and low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, prolonged neonatal stay, prematurity, and maternal age.
- Low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia history, and maternal age remained significant predictors in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight infants and those with neonatal complications require specialized developmental monitoring.
- Low birth weight serves as a critical, easily assessable marker for guiding child development follow-up protocols.
Context And Objective:
Knowledge of risk factors associated with child development disorders is essential for delivering high-quality childcare. The objective here was to evaluate the relationships between risk factors and occurrences of developmental abnormalities among children attended at a reference clinic for children at risk of developmental abnormalities.
Design And Setting:
Retrospective study at a multidisciplinary reference center, Embu, São Paulo.
Methods:
All cases followed up for more than three months between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed. The risk factors assessed were low birth weight, gestational age, length of stay in neonatal ward, perinatal asphyxia, mothers age < 18 years, congenital infections, malformations and low mothers education level. Developmental abnormalities were defined according to developmental tests and assessments by the clinics professionals. The statistical analysis consisted of the chi-squared test for comparing categorical variables and a logistic regression model for multivariate analysis.
Results:
211 children were followed up for more than three months. Developmental abnormalities occurred in 111 (52.6%). Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between developmental abnormality and low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, length of stay > 5 days, prematurity and mothers age 18 years and older. Low birth weight, history of perinatal asphyxia and mothers age continued to be significant in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
Special attention must be paid to the development of low birth weight infants and/or infants with histories of neonatal complications. Low birth weight is easily assessed and should be considered to be an important marker when defining guidelines for following up child development.
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
