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A non‐handicapped cohort of low‐birthweight children: Growth and general health status at 11 years of age
Author(s) -
Elgen Irene,
Johansson Kjell A.,
Markestad Trond,
Sommerfelt Kristian
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2005.tb02075.x
Subject(s) - medicine , anthropometry , pediatrics , low birth weight , population , wechsler intelligence scale for children , cohort , intelligence quotient , birth weight , cognition , pregnancy , psychiatry , genetics , environmental health , biology
Aims: To describe and compare physical growth, current health status, functional limitations and neurodevelopmental impairments (defined as low IQ, school problems or psychiatric disorder) at 11 y of age in a population of non‐handicapped low‐birthweight (LBW) children with that of normal‐birthweight (NBW) children. Methods: A population‐based sample of 130 LBW children (weighing less than 2000 g at birth) without major handicaps, and a random sample of 131 NBW children born at term. Somatic and mental health and cognitive abilities were assessed through questionnaires to parents, a physical examination, standardized tests of cognitive function (WISC‐R) and a semi‐structured interview (Children Assessment Schedule). Results: General somatic health status was similar for the LBW and NBW children. The LBW children were shorter (mean difference −2.5 cm; 95% CI −0.9 to −4.2) and had a smaller head circumference (mean difference −0.8 cm; 95% CI −0.4 to −1.1) but similar weights and body mass indices. Differences and similarities in anthropometric measures were the same at 5 and 11 y of age. The LBW children had higher systolic (mean difference 3.2 mmHg; 95% CI −0.6 to −0.3) but similar diastolic blood pressure. A higher proportion of LBW children had decreased visual acuity and hearing impairment. Forty per cent of LBW children had neurodevelopmental impairments, compared to 20% of NBW children (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 4.5). Conclusion: At 11 y of age, survivors of moderately low birthweight without major handicaps may have generally good health, but are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairments.