Subsequent physical and mental development in infants with positive contraction stress tests

Little knowledge exists concerning long-term sequelae in children born of pregnancies complicated by chronic uteroplacental insufficiency. This follow-up study evaluates 12 children with positive contraction stress tests (CSTs) 5.5 months to 4.75 years following birth. Subsequent physical growth was uniformly normal in the four infants classified as appropriate for gestational age at birth; however, continued postnatal growth deficiency was present in 50% of the eight infants who suffered from intrauterine growth retardation. No major neurologic abnormalities were detected, and 10 of the 12 displayed normal mental and motor function, as determined by the Denver Developmental Screening Test, Bayley Scales of Infant Development and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Two of the 12 infants were depressed at birth and had serious neonatal complications. These were the only two children who scored poorly on the Bayley test. Although no conclusions regarding minimal brain dysfunction can be made, the majority of infants with positive CSTs demonstrate grossly normal neurologic and psychologic development.