53 CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE: A TWO-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

The two year developmental findings on 9 children with diagnosed chronic lung disease at discharge from the nursery are reported. The children had birthweights of 709-1270 grams, gestational ages of 25-30 weeks and were appropriate for gestational age. The 1270 gram child had the Mickity-Wilson Syndrome. The other children had bronchopulmonary dysplasia and birthweights below 1100 grams. There was no clinical evidence of intracerebral hemorrhage. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development and an Occupational/Physical Therapy (OT/PT) assessment were administered at 2 years of age. Four of the 6 less than 1001 gram infants had Bayley scores below 78 and pathologic OT/PT findings. They had moderate-severe lung disease at discharge from the nursery. The 2 other children had Bayley scores above 78 but had suspicious OT/PT findings. They had mild-moderate lung disease. Of the 2 children with birthweights 1001-1250 grams one had advanced lung disease with Bayley scores below 78 and pathologic OT/PT findings. The other child had mild disease with normal Bayley scores, but with suspicious OT/PT findings. The 1270 gram child had mild lung disease, normal Bayley scores, but had suspicious OT/PT findings. In summary, the data suggest that children with very low birthweights, with moderate-severe lung disease at discharge from the nursery are at high risk for developmental problems. It is recommended that such children be followed closely.