Neurodevelopmental, functional and growth status of term low birth weight infants at eighteen months
Juneja, M.; Shankar, A.; Ramji, S.
Indian Pediatrics 42(11): 1134-1140
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 16340054 Document Number: 259208
A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted to evaluate the neurodevelopmental, functional and growth status of term infants weighing 2000 g or less at 18 months in Delhi, India, during April 2002-March 2003. In addition, the major medical and social factors associated with an adverse neurodevelopmental and/or functional outcome were analysed. All infants were assessed for growth, audiovisual, neurological impairment, and motor and mental development using an Indian modification of the Bayley Scales of infant development. A detailed history was also taken. Term infants with birth weight of >2500 g without any antenatal or neonatal complications served as controls. 50 low birth weight (LBW) term infants and 30 controls were evaluated. The mean mental development quotient for LBW infants (91.51+or-16.97) was significantly lower than that of controls (102.02+or-8.4). However, the mean motor development quotient was comparable. The LBW infants were significantly lagging in terms of weight, length and head circumference at assessment. Neonatal complications were associated with an abnormal motor outcome, while lower socioeconomic status and maternal education were related to adverse mental status. It is concluded that term LBW infants are at a significant disadvantage in terms of growth and mental scores at 18 months.