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Neuropsychological performance in low birth weight preschoolers: a population-based, controlled study
K Sommerfelt1, T Markestad, B Ellertsen
1Department of Paediatrics, Barneklinikken, Haukeland Sykehus, Norway.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 14, 1998
Summary
Low birth weight children show deficits in visuo-spatial and visuo-motor skills. Maternal chorio-amnionitis and small head circumference at birth are potential risk factors for impaired neurodevelopment in these children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) affects neurodevelopment.
- Preschool children with LBW require evaluation for cognitive and motor skills.
- Identifying predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes in LBW is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess neuropsychological performance in preschool children with low birth weight (LBW).
- To identify pre- and perinatal predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes in LBW children.
Main Methods:
- Compared 137 LBW children (birth weight < 2000g) with 152 normal birth weight controls.
- Utilized Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Revised, Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities, and manual dexterity/figure copying tests.
- Controlled for confounding parental factors.
Main Results:
- LBW children scored significantly lower on visuo-spatial and visuo-motor tasks compared to controls.
- Maternal chorio-amnionitis and prolonged premature rupture of membranes were associated with lower performance IQ in LBW children.
- Small head circumference at birth was a significant predictor of impaired performance.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight is linked to impaired visuo-spatial and visuo-motor abilities in preschool children.
- Maternal chorio-amnionitis and reduced head circumference at birth are identified as potential risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment in LBW infants.