PO-0642 Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Of Vlbw Children At 6–8 Years Of Age

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> There is growing awareness that the majority of nondisabled survivors encounter more “subtle” problems such as academic under achievement, behavioural problems, and deficits in executive functions. <h3>Objective</h3> To compare gross motor function,cognitive function, academic competence and behavioural problems at school age between VLBW children and controls. <h3>Methods</h3> We enrolled children aged 6-to 8-year-old, who were born with BW ≤1,500 g and have been followed-up at our long-term, follow-up clinic. They were tested for cognitive function and academic achievement using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III(WISC-III) and Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT). Child Behaviour Checklist for emotional/behavioural assessment was completed by the care givers. Gross motor function was assessed using Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). <h3>Results</h3> Thirty VLBW children were assessed at mean age of 7.5 years; 30 children born at term (matched for age, sex, and family income) served as controls. WISC-III scores were comparable between the two groups (99.8 ± 2.4 and 105.8 ± 1.7; p = 0.072 in VLBW and control group, respectively) as well as the WRAT scores. GMFCS-mild dysfunction was found only in 2 children (6.7%) of VLBWgroup. In contrast, VLBW children had more behavioural/emotional problems, especially in attention deficit/hyperactive (26.7% in VLBW group vs.3.3% in controls, p = 0.026). <h3>Conclusions</h3> In our cohort study, VLBW children at school age are at higher risk for behavioural/emotional problems, especially in attention deficit compared with children born at term. However, no differences in cognitive, academic, and gross motor function were found.