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Health of very low birth weight children during their first eight years
M Hack1, B Weissman, N Breslau
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Insights
Very low birth weight (VLBW) children experienced significantly more medical conditions and surgical procedures, alongside poorer growth, compared to normal birth weight (NBW) children by age eight. These health issues persist throughout childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Child Health Outcomes
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) is associated with potential long-term health challenges.
- Understanding the comprehensive medical impact during childhood is crucial for VLBW survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of very low birth weight (VLBW) on medical outcomes in childhood.
- To compare the health status of VLBW children with normal birth weight (NBW) controls at age 8.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study comparing 249 VLBW children with 363 NBW control children born between 1977-1979.
- Evaluated rates of illnesses, surgical procedures, accidents, growth parameters (weight, height, head circumference), and physical findings at 8 years of age.
Main Results:
- VLBW children had significantly higher rates of medical conditions and surgical procedures compared to NBW controls.
- Respiratory conditions were more prevalent in VLBW children (18% vs 5%), primarily before age 3.
- VLBW children exhibited significantly lower weight, height, and head circumference, along with more minor physical stigmata.
Conclusions:
- VLBW is linked to increased medical morbidity, including higher rates of illness and surgical interventions during childhood.
- Impaired growth attainment (weight, height, head circumference) is a significant ongoing issue for VLBW children.
- VLBW survivors face persistent health challenges and require ongoing medical monitoring throughout childhood.
Abstract:
To determine the impact of very low birth weight (VLBW) on medical outcomes during childhood, we compared the health of 249 VLBW children born from 1977 through 1979 with that of 363 normal birth weight (NBW) control children at 8 years of age. Measures included the rates of specific illnesses, surgical procedures and accidents, growth, and other physical findings. The number of medical conditions and surgical procedures was significantly greater in the VLBW children than in the NBW control children. Eighteen percent of VLBW versus 5% of NBW children had had respiratory conditions (p < 0.001), mainly before 3 years of age. Surgical procedures were more common both before and after 3 years of age, but accidents occurred with similar frequency. The VLBW children had significantly lower weight, height, and head circumference and more minor physical stigmata. Thus medical illness, surgical interventions, and poor growth attainment are part of the ongoing morbidity of VLBW children during childhood.