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Low birthweight and neuromotor development: a population based, controlled study
K Sommerfelt1, B Ellertsen, T Markestad
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Bergen, Norway.
Insights
Low birthweight (LBW) boys showed some neuromotor delays, particularly in balance, while LBW girls performed comparably to controls. Most LBW preschoolers maintain essential motor functions for daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Health
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) is a significant risk factor for developmental impairments.
- Understanding neuromotor development in LBW children is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous research indicates potential challenges in motor skills for LBW populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between low birthweight and preschool neuromotor development.
- To identify predictive factors for neuromotor outcomes in LBW children.
- To compare neuromotor performance between LBW and normal birthweight children.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study comparing 144 five-year-old LBW children (<2000g) with 163 normal birthweight controls.
- Utilized the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales to assess motor skills (balance, eye-hand coordination, locomotion).
- Conducted neurological examinations to identify minor neurological signs and specific reflexes.
Main Results:
- LBW boys exhibited more impaired balance (OR 5.5) and increased minor neurological signs compared to controls.
- LBW girls showed increased ankle tone/leg hyperreflexia but comparable overall motor skills.
- Small head circumference in LBW boys correlated with neurological signs; lack of breastmilk with impaired balance.
Conclusions:
- Most low birthweight preschoolers demonstrate intact motor functions essential for daily life.
- Specific neuromotor challenges exist in LBW boys, influenced by factors like head circumference and feeding.
- Targeted monitoring may benefit LBW boys with specific risk factors.
Abstract:
The aims of the study were to investigate: (a) the relationship between low birthweight (LBW) and pre-school neuromotor development; and (b) the predictive value of various pre-, peri-, and neonatal factors for neuromotor development in LBW pre-school children. A population based sample of 144 5-year-old LBW children (birthweight < 2000 g) with no major handicaps was compared with a random sample of 163 normal birthweight term controls. Using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, impaired performance on the balance scale was seen more often in LBW boys than in controls (odds ratio 5.5, 95% CI 1.5-20.3), while performance on the eye-hand coordination and locomotor scales was comparable for the two groups. LBW girls were comparable to controls on all these scales. On neurological examination, an increased frequency of minor neurological signs was found in LBW boys, while increased ankle tone and/or leg hyperreflexia was more common in LBW girls compared to controls. Small head circumference at birth was associated with an increased frequency of minor neurological signs in LBW boys, and lack of breastmilk in the neonatal period with impaired balance in LBW boys. None of the other pre-, peri- or neonatal factors were predictive of neuromotor development. We conclude that motor functions essential for daily activities are intact in most LBW preschoolers.