Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Predictors of early school age outcomes in very low birth weight children
H G Taylor1, N Klein, C Schatschneider
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Insights
Neonatal complications significantly impact outcomes in very low birth weight children, even when social risks are considered. Reducing these medical issues is crucial for improving long-term development and academic success.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face significant risks for adverse neurodevelopmental and academic outcomes.
- Understanding predictors of outcome is essential for targeted interventions and improved long-term health.
- Previous research has identified various risk factors, but the relative importance of neonatal complications versus social risks requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key predictors of cognitive, neuropsychological, academic, and behavioral outcomes in children born with very low birth weight (< 1500 g).
- To determine the relative contribution of neonatal medical complications (biological risk) and social risks to child outcomes.
- To examine specific neonatal complications that influence developmental trajectories.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of very low birth weight children (n=133) was assessed at mean ages of 6.7-6.9 years.
- Two groups were compared: those weighing < 750 g and those weighing 750-1499 g at birth, matched for key demographic variables.
- Outcomes were evaluated using cognitive tests, neuropsychological assessments, academic achievement measures, and parent/teacher behavior ratings.
- A composite measure of neonatal medical complications (Neonatal Risk Index) and social risks were used as predictor variables.
Main Results:
- The Neonatal Risk Index was the most consistent predictor across all measured outcomes.
- Neonatal risk remained a significant predictor of cognitive ability, academic achievement, neuropsychological function, and behavior, even after controlling for social risks.
- Specific neonatal complications strongly associated with poorer outcomes included severe cerebral ultrasonographic abnormality, chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and apnea of prematurity.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal medical complications are critical determinants of long-term outcomes in very low birth weight children.
- Interventions aimed at preventing or mitigating neonatal complications are paramount for improving developmental trajectories.
- Addressing social risks in conjunction with reducing neonatal complications is essential for optimizing the well-being of VLBW survivors.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of outcome in very low birth weight (< 1500 g) children. The very low birth weight sample consisted of 68 children weighing less than 750 g at birth and 65 children weighing 750 to 1499 g at birth who had been matched to the less than 750 g birth weight children in terms of hospital of birth, age, sex, and race. Mean ages for these two groups were 6.7 and 6.9 years, respectively. Outcomes were measured in terms of tests of cognitive function, neuropsychological abilities, and academic achievement and parent and teacher ratings of child behavior and school performance. A weighted sum of the number of major neonatal medical complications (Neonatal Risk Index) provided a composite measure of biological risk. Social risks were also assessed. Results indicated that the Neonatal Risk Index was the most consistent predictor of outcomes. Even after taking social risks into account, neonatal risk predicted overall cognitive ability and other achievement, neuropsychological, and behavior outcomes. Individual neonatal complications that predicted outcomes included severe cerebral ultrasonographic abnormality, chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and apnea of prematurity. Research and therapy to prevent or reduce neonatal complications and amelioration of social risks are of critical importance in improving outcomes of very low birth weight.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
01:22Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
01:21The Nativist Approach
01:30Information Processing Approach