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Neurological investigation of 5-year-old children with low birthweight
Insights
Low birthweight (LBW) children often show neurological and motor coordination issues by age five. Cerebral palsy and minimal brain dysfunction were more prevalent in LBW infants, impacting development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Health
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) is a significant risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Early identification of neurological deficits in LBW infants is crucial for timely intervention.
- Motor coordination and neurological status at preschool age are key indicators of developmental trajectory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neurological status and motor coordination in a cohort of children born with low birthweight (LBW) at five years of age.
- To determine the prevalence of neurological impairments, including cerebral palsy and minimal brain dysfunction, in LBW children.
- To investigate the association between birthweight, gestational age, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 139 children with low birthweight (<= 2500g) was prospectively evaluated at 5 years of age.
- Neurological status and motor coordination were assessed using standardized methods, including Touwen & Prechtl criteria.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Goodenough Draw-a-Man test.
Main Results:
- 5% of LBW children had cerebral palsy, 9.4% had minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), and 27.3% showed delayed motor maturation.
- Children with cerebral palsy and MBD exhibited higher rates of hearing/vision impairment, epilepsy, and mental retardation.
- LBW children with MBD and delayed motor maturation had lower IQ scores compared to neurologically normal peers.
- Cerebral palsy was more frequent in infants with very low birthweight and shorter gestational age.
Conclusions:
- Low birthweight significantly increases the risk for various neurodevelopmental challenges, including cerebral palsy and minimal brain dysfunction, persisting to age five.
- Early neurological and motor assessments are vital for identifying LBW children requiring specialized care and interventions.
- The findings underscore the long-term impact of LBW on cognitive and neurological development, highlighting the need for continued follow-up and support.
Abstract:
139 children with a low birthweight (LBW), i.e. not more than 2 500 g, were examined at 5 years of age in respect of their neurological status, with special reference to motor coordination according to Touwen & Prechtl. 5 (3.6%) children had cerebral palsy; 13 (9.4%), minimal brain dysfunction; 38 (27.3%), delayed motor maturation; and 83 (59.7%), normal motor development and normal neurological status. Impairment of hearing and of vision, epilepsy and mental retardation were more common in children with cerebral palsy and MBD. Children with MBD and delayed motor maturation had a lower IQ, as judged from the draw-a-mantest according to Goodenough than children with normal neurological status. Cerebral palsy was found in children with a very low birthweight and short gestational age. Other findings were equally distributed among groups classified by weight and duuration of gestation.