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Growth, neurological and cognitive development in infants with a birthweight <501 g at age 5 years

E Rieger-Fackeldey1, C Blank, J Dinger

  • 1Neonatology, Perinatal Centre Grosshadern, University of Munich, Munich, Germany. esther.riegerfackeldey@ukmuenster.de

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Fifty-six percent of extremely preterm infants born under 501g survived to school age. Half experienced normal development or mild disability, while the other half had moderate to severe disabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Extremely preterm infants born with very low birth weights (<501g) represent a vulnerable population requiring specialized care.
  • Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for this cohort are critical for understanding the impact of intensive perinatal interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the growth, neurological, and cognitive development at 5 years of age in preterm infants born with birth weights less than 501 grams.
  • To provide data on the long-term outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants managed in tertiary perinatal centers.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized structured neurological examinations, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale, and the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC) for developmental assessment.
  • Follow-up assessments were conducted at 5 years of age for a cohort of infants born between 1998 and 2001.

Main Results:

  • Of 48 infants receiving immediate life support, 56% survived to follow-up. Of those tested, only a few showed catch-up growth.
  • Neurological outcomes varied, with 26% normal, 58% mildly abnormal, and 16% severely abnormal. Visual impairment (42%) and hearing disability (16%) were noted.
  • The mean mental processing composite (IQ) score was 82, with a wide range (50-104).

Conclusions:

  • Fifty-six percent of resuscitated infants with birth weights <501g survived to school age.
  • Among survivors, half exhibited normal development or mild disability, while the other half presented with moderate to severe disabilities.
  • Recommends the inclusion of such high-risk infants in studies with detailed reporting of their specific characteristics and outcomes.
Abstract

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