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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Six year neurodevelopmental follow-up of very low birthweight children
Insights
Very low birthweight (VLBW) children showed normal overall IQ at age six but had significantly lower verbal IQ and more minor neurological deficits compared to controls. Long-term follow-up is crucial for identifying educational needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Preterm birth and very low birthweight (VLBW) are associated with potential long-term neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Early identification and intervention are critical for optimizing outcomes in VLBW infants.
- Understanding the specific cognitive and neurological profiles of VLBW children is essential for targeted support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neurological status and cognitive abilities of very low birthweight (VLBW) children at age 6 years.
- To compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of VLBW children with a control group.
- To identify potential learning difficulties and inform long-term follow-up strategies for VLBW survivors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of 24 very low birthweight (VLBW) children from birth (1985) until age 6 years.
- Neurological, developmental, and cognitive assessments at ages 1, 2, and 6 years.
- Comparison of VLBW children's cognitive scores (WPPSI, Bayley MDI) and neurological status with a control group at age 6 years.
Main Results:
- Four out of 24 VLBW children had major disabilities.
- VLBW children without major disabilities had a mean total IQ of 101.5 at age 6, not significantly different from controls (109.8).
- VLBW children exhibited significantly lower mean verbal IQ (95.3 vs. 106.2, P=0.02) and a higher incidence of minor neurological deficits (7 vs. 1, P=0.05) compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Very low birthweight (VLBW) survivors may face specific challenges, particularly in verbal domains, despite normal overall intellectual functioning.
- The increased prevalence of minor neurological deficits suggests a higher risk for subtle neurodevelopmental issues.
- Pediatricians and educators should prioritize long-term monitoring of VLBW children to address potential learning difficulties and specific educational needs effectively.
Abstract:
Twenty-four children born preterm with very low birthweight (VLBW) in 1985 at Bikur Holim Hospital were followed until age 6 years. Their neurological status and developmental and cognitive abilities were examined at 1, 2 and 6 years of age respectively and were compared with a control group at age 6 years. Of the 24 VLBW children, 4 had major disabilities. Of those without major disabilities, mean total IQ (WPPSI) at six years was 101.5 +/- 11.3, not significantly different from their mean Mental Development Index (Bayley) at age 2 years which was 96.1 +/- 19.6, or from the mean total IQ of a control group of 6-year-old children which was 109.8 +/- 14.7. However, the mean verbal IQ of the VLBW children (95.3 +/- 11.7) was significantly lower than that of the control group (106.2 +/- 14.3) (P = 0.02). Minor neurological deficit was found in seven of the VLBW children and in only one of the controls (P = 0.05). These findings point to possible future learning difficulties and should alert both pediatricians and educationalists to the importance of long-term follow-up of VLBW children in order to identify and address their specific educational needs.
