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Language outcomes among ELBW infants in early childhood

Ira Adams-Chapman1, Carla Bann2, Sheena L Carter1

  • 1Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.

Early Human Development
|May 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants often experience language delays, with receptive delays more common than expressive ones. Feeding difficulties and non-English speaking status are associated with poorer language outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

  • Limited data exist on language development in preterm infants.
  • The link between early medical issues, developmental trajectory, and language outcomes in infancy is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess language outcomes in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants at 30 months adjusted age (AA).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of ELBW infants.
  • Utilized Bayley Scales of Infant Development II and vocabulary tests at 30 months AA.
  • Assessed feeding behaviors and medical history at 18 and 30 months AA.

Main Results:

  • 55% of ELBW infants had receptive language delay (23% severe) at 30 months AA.
  • 26% had expressive language delay (16% severe).
  • Non-English speaking infants and those needing feeding assistance showed poorer language performance.

Conclusions:

  • ELBW infants are at significant risk for language delay.
  • Further research is needed on early predictors and language assessment for non-English speaking preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Neurodevelopmental outcome and languagePreterm infants

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