Screening for Language Delay between 6 Months and 3 Years of Corrected Age in Very Low Birth Weight Children

To screen for language delay in very low birth weight (VLBW) children between 6 months to 3 years using Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum, 0-3 years.

VLBW inborn neonates at a corrected age of 6 months to 3 years visiting follow-up clinic were enrolled. Children with hearing loss were excluded. Prevalence and predictors of language delay were ascertained.

Of 200 enrolled subjects, out of the 1400 VLBW discharged, 64 (32%) had language delay. On multivariate analysis, late onset sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus and poor socioeconomic status were significant predictors of language delay. Abnormal neurological examination and suspect development were also associated with language delay.

In VLBW children, the frequency of language delay is quite high. These children should be screened for language delay.