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Low birth weight babies at 3 years of age
Insights
This 3-year follow-up study of 331 high-risk infants found that 4% had major and 6% moderate handicaps, including cerebral palsy and developmental delays. Growth deficits were noted, but insignificant when corrected for prematurity.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric follow-up studies
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Premature infants (500-2000g) require long-term monitoring for developmental outcomes.
- Early identification of handicaps in high-risk neonates is crucial for intervention.
- Gestational age and birth weight significantly influence infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the initial 3-year findings of a 7-year follow-up study.
- To assess the developmental status and handicaps in a cohort of high-risk infants.
- To evaluate growth parameters in survivors at 3 years of age.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 331 infants born at or transferred to specific maternity hospitals.
- Follow-up assessments at 2 and 3 years, with high participant retention (99% at 3 years).
- Evaluation of major/moderate handicaps, including cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and sensory impairments.
Main Results:
- Mortality: 37 stillbirths and 76 deaths within the cohort.
- Handicaps: 4% major, 6% moderate handicaps observed by 3 years.
- Specific conditions included cerebral palsy (5%), developmental delay (4%), severe hearing impairment (3%), and visual impairment (1%).
- Mild iatrogenic damage was frequently noted.
- Survivors were shorter and lighter than normal at 3 years, but growth differences were insignificant when corrected for prematurity.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of high-risk infants experience developmental delays and handicaps by age 3.
- Early growth deficits in these infants may be primarily attributed to prematurity rather than long-term factors.
- Comprehensive follow-up is essential for managing the long-term health and developmental trajectories of preterm infants.
Abstract:
The findings of the first 3 years of a 7-year follow-up study on a group of 331 infants born at or transferred to Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospitals weighing 500-2000 g are reported. The group included 37 stillbirths, and a further 76 died. Of the 218 survivors, some information has been available on 215 (99%); 94% and 84% were seen at 2 and 3 years respectively. Nine (4%) children have major and 13 (6%) a moderate handicap, including 11 (5%) with cerebral palsy, seven (4%) with developmental delay, three with severe hearing impairment and one with visual impairment. Mild iatrogenic damage was common. The children, particularly those who were small for their gestational age, were shorter and lighter than the normal population at 3 years, but when corrected for prematurity the difference, particularly in height, was insignificant.