[Topics on Child Development in Pediatrics]

Over the past few decades, advances in neonatal medicine have increased survival rates among very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) babies. Despite improvements in short-term outcomes, there is increasing concern about the probability of mild cognitive dysfunction in this population. Our analysis of VLBW babies born in our hospital revealed that the incidence of mild developmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) at the age of 3 years is 7.2%, which is markedly higher than the 2.8% incidence of ASD in the general population. Because problems related to ASD or ADHD tend to become more prominent as children grow up, the ages at diagnosis of developmental disorders are generally 6 years or above. Thus, in our follow up study of VLBW babies at age 6, the incidence of these developmental disorders had risen to 30%. These patients are apparently obstinate and difficult to train, causing parental problems with child care. It is important to support these children and help them establish good relationships with their parents. Given these problems, it is necessary to follow up VLBW children in the longterm, at least until they are elementary school students.