A non-handicapped cohort of low-birthweight children: growth and general health status at 11 years of age.

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.