1237 Long-Term Follow-Up of Ex-Preterm Infants - Relationship Between Neurological Findings and Quality of Life (QOL) at School Age

Abstract

Purpose: To correlate long-term follow-up data and QOL of ex-preterm infants with neurological findings and other risk factors for impairment.Patients and Methods: Cohort of ex-preterm infants < 33 weeks g.a. born in 1999. Extraction from patients' records: case history, neurological findings, developmental scores at age 1-3 years, school achievements and QOL at age 8-9 years. Reference group for QOL: age-adapted reference group born at term.Statistical methods: Chi square test and stepwise logistic regressionResults: Complete data sets available for 54 patients (93% of the survivors), neurological follow-up examination for further 3 patients. Risk factors for abnormal neurological findings at age 1-3 years: abnormal cerebral US scan (OR 33.4), low socioeconomic or migrant status (OR 20.9), SGA status (OR 17.0), male gender (OR 9.5). Risk factors for low school achievements: ELBW status (OR 514), low socioeconomic status (OR 266), abnormal neurological findings at age 1-3 years (OR 16). Neurological development at age 8-9 years was normal in 35%, moderately impaired in 46%, severely impaired in 11%. 83% of children attended mainstream school. Compared to reference group scores of QOL was 76.9 vs. 79.0 (global scores), 84.3 vs. 80.5 (subscale “physical well-being”), 76.0 vs. 70.8 (subscale “self-esteem”).Discussion: Rate of impairment and developmental scores were in the range given in other studies, as were risk factors. In the view of their parents QOL of most ex-preterm infants is not reduced. It must be awaited if these positive results persist into adulthood and will be confirmed by the subjects themselves.