EVALUATION OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN BORN WEIGHING <1800g AND CONTROLS USING UNCOMPLICATED MATURATIONAL TESTS. 1552

Abstract

We compared the maturational status of non-handicapped premature infants and fullterm controls matched for age, gender and socioeconomic status at the age of 4 years. Children with moderate and severe neurodevelopmental deficits(14%) were excluded. The tests employed can be administered in a pediatric office setting and included measures of perceptual-motor development(Geometric Figure Test GFT), verbal comprehension (Peabody-Dunn Test,PDT) and verbal expression (Visual Nomination Test,VNT). The study group included 77 children (BW 1350±294g, GA 31.6±3wk) assessed at a mean chronological age of 49±11 mo. The control group included 79 fullterm children (BW 3350±380g,GA 39.2±2wk) assessed at a mean age of 52±9 mo.Study children obtained lower scores in all three tests:GFT 41.4±11 vs 51.6±7.6mo,p 6 mo delay in the GFT, a PDT <90 or a VNT <2). We conclude “normal” low birthweight children exhibited weaknesses which may place them at risk for school failure. Early detection of these deficits with tests that can be easily administered may facilitate referral for more detailed assessments and timely intervention.Table