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Cognitive Functions and Behavioral Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Neonates in Middle Childhood
Kanya Mukhopadhyay1, Rajni Sharma2, Jaivinder Yadav3
1Neonatology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institution of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. kanyapgi@gmail.com.
Insights
Very low birth weight (VLBW) children show significant cognitive deficits and behavioral issues compared to normal birth weight (NBW) peers. These VLBW children experience lower IQ, memory, and attention, alongside increased psychopathology and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face increased risks for neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Understanding long-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive and behavioral outcomes in middle childhood between very low birth weight (VLBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) neonates.
- To identify specific areas of deficit in VLBW children.
Main Methods:
- An observational study assessed 50 VLBW and 50 matched NBW children aged 6-11 years.
- Cognitive function, behavior, psychopathology, self-concept, adjustment, and memory were evaluated using standardized psychological assessments.
Main Results:
- VLBW children exhibited significantly lower Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and Full-Scale IQ compared to NBW children.
- Deficits were noted in remote memory, mental balance, attention, visual retention, and recognition for the VLBW group.
- VLBW children had higher scores for psychopathology and anxiety, and lower self-concept and adjustment scores.
Conclusions:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) is associated with significant cognitive impairments in middle childhood.
- Behavioral and adjustment difficulties are more prevalent in VLBW children compared to their normal birth weight (NBW) counterparts.
Objective:
To assess the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) as compared to normal birth weight (NBW) neonates in middle childhood.
Methods:
In this observational study, the first 50 VLBW (≤ 1250 g) children from an original cohort of 2009-2011, who agreed to participate, and 50 age and sex-matched NBW children were assessed at 6-11 years age. Cognitive function, behavior, psychopathology, self-concept, adjustment and memory parameters were assessed by a certified psychologist using Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC), Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule, Children's Self-concept Scale, Preadolescent Adjustment Inventory, and PGI Memory Scale for Children (PGIMC), respectively.
Results:
Compared to NBW, the VLBW children had significantly lower Verbal Intelligence Quotient (IQ) (P = 0.008), Performance IQ (P < 0.001), and Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) (P < 0.001). VLBW cohort had significantly lower scores in remote memory (P < 0.001), mental balance (P = 0.001), attention (P = 0.005), visual retention (P < 0.001), and recognition (P = 0.003). VLBW cohort exhibited significantly higher scores on psychopathology (P = 0.036), anxiety (P = 0.034), significantly lower self-concept (P < 0.001) and adjustment scores (P < 0.001) than NBW.
Conclusions:
VLBW children have significant cognitive, behavioral and adjustment issues as compared to NBW children.
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