Very Low Birth Weight Children Research Articles

Relationship Between Birth Weight and Asthma Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study Based on the National Survey of Children’s Health in the U.S.

ObjectiveTo assess the association between birth weight and childhood asthma risk using data from the 2019–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health database.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe USA.PatientsA representative cohort of American children.ExposureThe exposure...

76 Follow-up of the Therapeutic Effects of Integrative Neuropsychological Training Model for Executive Functions Deficits in School-age Children Born Very Low Birth Weight with Normal Early Development-A Preliminary Report

Objective:The preschool children born very low birth weight(VLBW) still have executive functions(EFs) deficits even with normal early development(Ni, Huang, & Guo, 2011). Consequently, early intervention might be more important than expected. This study aims to investigate the follow-up outcome of the therapeutic effects of integrative neuropsychological training model(INTM) focused on EFs for school-age VLBW children with EFs deficits.Participants and Methods:The VLBW children, recruited from the Regional Cohort Network for premature infants who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units, had normal scores in Bayley and Wechsler Intelligence systems before 6 years old. They also received follow-up neuropsychological assessment for EFs at 6 or 8-year-old. The deficits of EFs were defined from the result of Digit Span Subtest of WISC-IV, Knox's Cube Test(KCT), Tower of London(ToL), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST), and Comprehensive Nonverbal Attention Test Battery(CNAT). A total of 8 VLBW children with EFs deficits were recruited and received EFs training at 6 or 8-year-old. The INTM combined with Comprehensive Memory Training System(CMTS), Executive FUNction Training(EFT), and multi-ecological materials focused on enhancing the four aspects of EFs, including working memory, planning, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition ability. Then, they received follow-up neuropsychological assessment for EFs at 8 or 10-year-old.Results:The results showed that all children got benefits from 20 hours of INTM and most of the EF aspects remained improved at follow-up. A total of 8 VLBW children with an average of 3.4 aspects EFs deficits had an average of 1.4 aspects of EFs deficits left at the follow-up. More precisely, 5 of them had 1 aspects of EFs deficits and 3 of them had 2 aspects of EFs deficits.Conclusions:This study revealed that such a short-term INTM had long-term effects in enhancing the EFs of those VLBW children who had normal early development but later grew into EFs deficits at school-age. Besides, their EFs are still improving even after two years of intervention. Further study on more subjects with longer follow-up might help VLBW children to achieve better neuropsychological function.

Health-related quality of life of mothers and developmental characteristics of very low birth weight children at 2.5 years of age: results from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)

BackgroundThe level of child development may be associated with the risk of poor maternal health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to describe the developmental characteristics of very low birth weight (VLBW) children at 2.5 years of age and to examine associations between maternal HRQoL and the degree of child development based on the Japanese version of Ages and Stages Questionnaire (J-ASQ-3).MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed using the data from a nationwide prospective birth cohort study in Japan. Among a total of 104,062 fetal records, the VLBW infants (birth weight ≤ 1500 g) were analyzed using linear regression models, adjusted for potential covariates. Subgroup analysis was also conducted to assess the association between social connection or cooperation of the partner and maternal HRQoL by the level of child development.ResultsThe final study subjects included 357 VLBW children and mothers. The suspected developmental delays (SDDs) in at least two domains was significantly associated with lower maternal mental HRQoL regression coefficient –2.314 (95%CI: –4.065 to –0.564). There was no association between the status of child development and maternal physical HRQoL. After adjusting for child and maternal covariates, the maternal HRQoL was not significantly associated with child development. Amongst women who indicated having some social support, having a child with a SDD in two or more domains was negatively associated with mental HRQoL compared with women whose child was less developmental delay, regression coefficient –2.337 (95%CI: –3.961 to –0.714). Amongst women who indicated having partner’s cooperation to child-rearing, having a child with a SDD in two or more domains was negatively associated with mental HRQoL compared with women whose child was less developmental delay, regression coefficient –3.785 (95%CI: –6.647 to –0.924).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the lower maternal mental HRQoL was independently associated with the SDDs evaluated by the J-ASQ-3, whereas there was no association after adjusting for covariates. Further research is warranted to elucidate the impact of social connection and partner’s cooperation on maternal HRQoL and child development. This study urges that particular attention should be paid to mothers of VLBW children with SDDs and also to provide early intervention and continued support.

Associations of household unmet basic needs and health outcomes among very low birth weight children.

We examined associations of past year household hardships (housing, energy, food, and healthcare hardships) with postnatal growth, developmental risk, health status, and hospitalization among children 0-36 months born with very low birth weight (VLBW) and the extent that these relationships differed by receipt of child supplemental security income (SSI). We examined cross-sectional data from 695 families. Growth was measured as weight-for-age z-score change. Developmental risk was defined as ≥1 concerns on the "Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status" screening tool. Child health status was categorized as excellent/good vs. fair/poor. Hospitalizations excluded birth hospitalizations. Compared to children with no household hardships, odds of developmental risk were greater with 1 hardship (aOR 2.0 [1.26, 3.17]) and ≥2 hardships (aOR) 1.85 [1.18, 2.91], and odds of fair/poor child health (aOR) 1.59 [1.02, 2.49] and hospitalizations (aOR) 1.49 [1.00, 2.20] were greater among children with ≥2 hardships. In stratified analysis, associations of hardships and developmental risk were present for households with no child SSI and absent for households with child SSI. Household hardships were associated with developmental risk, fair/poor health status, and hospitalizations among VLBW children. Child SSI may be protective against developmental risk among children living in households with hardships.

Postnatal Growth Faltering: Growth and Height Improvement at Two Years in Children with Very Low Birth Weight between 2002-2017.

To determine if there has been a decrease in the prevalence of PGF and an improvement in height at 2 years in appropriate for gestational age VLBW children in the last two decades. Clinical descriptive retrospective analysis of neonatal somatometry at birth and at two-year corrected age in VLBW preterm infants. Small for gestational age were excluded. Two cohorts (2002-2006, n = 112; and 2013-2017, n = 92) were compared. In the second five-year period, a decrease in prevalence of PGF was observed (36.6% vs. 22.8%, p = 0.033), an increase in growth rate in the first 28 days (5.22 (4.35-6.09) g/kg/day vs. 11.38 (10.61-12.15) g/kg/day, p < 0.0001) and an increase in height standard deviation (SD) at 2 years (-1.12 (-1.35--0.91) vs. -0.74 (-0.99--0.49) p = 0.023). Probability of short stature at 2 years was directly related to daily weight gain in the first 28 days. when comparing two five-year periods in the last two decades, growth in VLBW preterm infants has improved, both during neonatal period and at two years of age.

Use of Head and Chest Circumference Ratio as an Index of Fetal Growth Retardation in Preterm Infants.

We evaluated the relationship between fetal growth in preterm babies using the head circumference (HC)/chest circumference (CC) ratio and other anthropometric parameters at birth and at school age. Data were collected from 187 very low birth weight (VLBW) children born at less than 30 weeks of gestational age (GA) at birth and at 6 years. We assessed the correlation between the HC/CC ratio and body weight (BW), body length (BL), and HC z-scores at birth, and BW, body height (BH), and body mass index (BMI) z-scores at 6 years. Multiple regression analysis showed that BW z-score, BL z-score, and HC z-score at birth were significantly associated with HC/CC at birth. The BMI z-score at 6 years was also significantly associated with HC/CC at birth. The HC/CC ratio at birth is a reliable parameter for evaluating fetal growth restriction and a possible predictor of physical growth in VLBW children.

Swallowing-related quality of life in children with oesophageal atresia: a national cohort study

Swallowing and feeding disorders are a major concern for children with oesophageal atresia (OA) after primary or staged OA repair. Primary OA repair is associated with higher rates of short-term complications in preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) or extreme low birth weight (ELBW). On the other hand, primary repair may have the benefit of early commencement of oral feedings. We hypothesize that also in the medium-term, swallowing-related quality of life is better after primary oesophageal repair. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study on swallowing quality in a national cohort of former VLBW and ELBW children with OA, using the structured paediatric swallowing quality of life (pedSWAL-QOL) questionnaire. Results were correlated with surgical approach and baseline clinical data. Principal component analysis of pedSWAL-QOL domains was performed. In total, 44 complete data sets of 78 children were available. The mean age of children was 8.5 years (SD = 7.4), and 23 children (52%) had primary OA repair. The overall median pedSWAL-QOL score was 2 (IQR = 0–3), representing a high swallowing-related quality of life, independent of surgical technique (p = 0.086). Children with a history of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) (p = 0.002) and those with VACTERL association (p = 0.008) had significantly decreased enjoyment with eating. In addition, children with VACTERL association had problems to find suitable foods (p = 0.04). Conclusion: In this national cohort of VLBW and ELBW preterm-born children with OA, swallowing-related quality of life is good, mostly independent of initial surgery. Children with OA and ICH or VACTERL association may require more intense support with feeding.What is Known:• Dysphagia, resembling feeding and swallowing disorders, is common in children and adults with repaired oesophageal atresia. Nevertheless, dysphagia in children with oesophageal atresia decreases with age.• Parents of younger children suffer from increased anxiety and fear regarding eating and swallowing abilities of their children.What is New:• Swallowing-related quality of life in former preterm children with oesophageal atresia is good, independent of initial surgical approach (primary vs. staged repair), even in very low birth weight or extreme low birth weight infants. • Children suffering from VACTERL association or intracranial haemorrhage show decreased enjoyment with eating.

Spillover Effects of Early-Life Medical Interventions

Abstract We investigate the effects of early-life medical treatments on the treated children and their families. We use a regression discontinuity design that exploits changes in medical treatments across the very low birth weight (VLBW) cutoff. Using administrative data from Denmark, we establish that VLBW children have better health and higher test scores. We find that these benefits spill over to other family members: mothers enjoy better mental health, and siblings have higher test scores. Maternal mental health improvements seem to be driven by better focal child health and sibling spillovers by improved interactions within the family and parental compensating behavior.

Вакцинопрофилактика недоношенных новорожденных: реальная клиническая практика

Objective. To analyze the vaccination coverage and adherence to the vaccination schedule among premature newborns with a birthweight of <2,500 g. Patients and methods. This study included 119 children aged 5 to 6 years followed up within the "National prospective multicenter cohort study of newborns" in Tomsk. The experimental group comprised 96 children born prematurely, including 36 low-birthweight (LBW), 25 very low-birthweight (VLBW), and 36 extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) children. The control group included 23 healthy children born full-term. We analyzed their clinical data and information on vaccination. Results. The number of children who had completed their vaccination by the age of 5 years varied across the groups: 34.8% of controls; 16.7% of LBW children; 28% of VLBW children; and 17.1% of ELBW children (p > 0.05). Thirteen percent of controls and 5.6% of LBW children were timely vaccinated, whereas none of the VLBW and ELBW children had their vaccination in time. We observed no differences in the vaccination profiles (types of administered vaccines) between the VLBW children and controls; vaccination profiles of the LBW and ELBW children were similar. ELBW children were less likely to be vaccinated against tuberculosis, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio than controls (p < 0.01). None of the ELBW children received vaccines against hepatitis B, pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus, as well as third vaccine against polio at birth. In the rest of the groups, the proportion of timely vaccinated children did not exceed 20%. Parents in the control group were less likely to refuse vaccination for their children than those in the experimental group. Non-adherence to the vaccination schedule was more common in the LBW children. VLBW and ELBW children had medical exemptions more frequently than LBW children and controls. Conclusion. We observed low vaccination coverage among premature newborns for all vaccines caused both by medical exemption and non-adherence to the vaccination schedule. Key words: vaccination, premature newborns, extremely low birth weight

Risk Factors for the Incidence of Dental Caries in Low, Very Low, and Extremely Low Birth Weight Children: A Cohort Study

Objective: To assess the incidence of caries in a two-year period among low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) children considering socioeconomic indicators, dietary factors and oral hygiene. Material and Methods: A convenience sample was formed of 42 low birth weight children aged two to five years at baseline. Two examiners diagnosed caries using the World Health Organization criteria. Birth weight, socioeconomic indicators and diet were collected from medical records and questionnaires. Binomial models were used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals for the factors evaluated. Results: Thirty-six children were re-examined after two years. The incidence of dental caries was 36.7%. The dmft index was 0.44 (±1.25) at baseline and increased to 1.36 (±3.85) at follow-up. VLBW children (1,000 to 1,500 g) (RR=0.23; 95%CI: 0.08-0.72) and LBW children (1,500 to 2,500 g) (RR=0.06; 0.01-0.55) had fewer carious lesions compared to ELBW children (<1,000 g). Carious lesions were more frequent among children with a lower income (RR=6.05; 1.05-34.84) and less frequent among those who did not consume sweetened juice, tea or yogurt (RR: 0.21; 0.07-0.62). Conclusion: An inverse dose-response relation was found between birth weight and the incidence of caries. A lower income and the consumption of sweetened beverages were risk factors for the development of caries.

Perinatal factors contributing to intellectual impairment in a cohort of Japanese children with very low birth weight.

To determine whether prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or neonatal stress affects intellectual impairment in children with very low birth weight (VLBW). This national historical cohort study evaluated children with VLBW cared for in perinatal medical centers throughout Japan. Factors assessed included three latent variables (prematurity, IUGR, and stress during the neonatal period) and eight observed variables during perinatal period. The primary endpoint was intellectual or developmental quotient (IQ/DQ) at age ≥3 years. Structural equation model (SEM) was used to examine factors associated with IQ/DQ. The study included 248 VLBW children, who were of mean age 5.7±2.0 years and mean IQ/DQ of 85.5 at last encounter. SEM showed that stress during the neonatal period (β=-0.37) contributed more to IQ/DQ than intrauterine malnutrition (β=0.25) and prematurity (β=0.15) and that the duration of mechanical ventilation was an important contributor to stress during the neonatal period. Neonatal stress was more harmful to future intellectual impairment of VLBW neonates, with IUGR contributing more than prematurity. Duration of mechanical ventilation was an important risk factor in neonatal stress. Neonatologists should minimize neonatal stress in VLBW neonates, and obstetricians should monitor fetal growth restriction to prevent intellectual impairment in later life.

Altered functional connectivity during face processing in children born with very low birth weight.

Structural brain alterations have been reported in key emotional face processing regions following preterm birth; however, few studies have investigated the functional networks underlying these processes in children born with very low birth weight (VLBW). Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we examined the functional networks related to the implicit processing of happy and angry faces in 5-year-old VLBW (n = 28) and full-term (FT; n = 24) children. We found that VLBW children showed atypical recruitment of emotional face processing networks in theta (4–7 Hz) compared to FT children. VLBW children showed reduced theta connectivity during processing of angry faces only. This hypo-connected theta-band network was anchored in the left orbitofrontal and parietal regions, involved in the higher level processing of faces and emotion regulation. At the behavioural level, despite VLBW children performing within the normal range, FT children had significantly higher affect recognition scores. Our MEG results suggest a selective impairment in processing angry faces, which would negatively impact social functioning in VLBW children. In FT children, greater recruitment of this theta-band network was positively associated with improved affect recognition scores. Thus, our findings suggest an important role of theta oscillations in early face processing, deficits which may contribute to broader socio-emotional impairments in VLBW children.

Predictive Validity of the Bayley-III Cognitive Scores at 6 Months for Cognitive Outcomes at 24 Months in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

Purpose: To assess the predictive validity of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) cognitive scores at 6 months of corrected age (CA) for cognitive outcomes at 24 months of CA in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants and investigate the predictors of change in cognitive outcomes.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated VLBW children enrolled in the Taiwan Premature Infant Follow-up Network between 2010 and 2015 and completed the Bayley-III at CA of 6 and 24 months. The predictive validity of the cognitive performance at 6-month CA for the cognitive outcomes at 24-month CA was analyzed. The positive and negative predictive factors were also evaluated using logistic regression. Cut-off scores of <70 and <85 were used to identify lower functioning groups based on the Bayley-III definition.Results: A total of 2,972 VLBW children, born with a mean weight of 1116.4 ± 257.5 g and mean gestational age of 29.0 ± 2.8 weeks, were evaluated. A cognitive score of <70 at 6-month CA had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 27.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2–35.7%) for a cognitive score of <70 at 24-month CA, while the negative predictive value (NPV) was 97.3% (95% CI: 96.7–97.9%). A cut-off score of 85 had a PPV of 33.6% (95% CI: 28.1–39.0%) and an NPV of 87.7% (95% CI: 86.4–88.9%). Abnormal muscle tone at 6 months was a risk factor for cognitive function decline at 24 months for both Bayley-III cognitive cut-off scores: scores of 70 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.5) and 85 (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6–4.1). Lower maternal socioeconomic status was associated with a worsening of the cognitive function in infants at 24 months who scored ≥85 at 6 months (AOR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.0).Conclusion: Subnormal Bayley-III cognitive scores at 6-month CA were not predictive of subnormal cognitive function at 24-month CA. In children with normal cognition during early infancy, abnormal muscle tone and lower maternal socioeconomic status may influence the cognitive developing process; this highlighted the importance of early identification of high risk infants and complete preterm infant-associated public health policies to promote an improved neurodevelopmental outcome.

Cortisol and Cortisone in Early Childhood in Very-Low-Birthweight Infants and Term-Born Infants

Introduction: Besides programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, changes in the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) could contribute to the later metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of preterm birth. Objective: We compared serum cortisol, cortisone, and cortisol/cortisone ratio in early childhood in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants and term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) born infants. Methods: We included 41 VLBW infants, participating in the randomized controlled Neonatal Insulin Replacement Therapy in Europe trial, and 64 term AGA-born infants. Cortisol and cortisone were measured in blood samples taken at 6 months and 2 years corrected age (VLBW children) and at 3 months and 1 and 2 years (term children). At 2 years of (corrected) age (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were also measured. Results: During the first 2 years of life, cortisol/cortisone ratio is higher in VLBW children compared to term children. In the total group of children, cortisol/cortisone ratio is positively related to triglycerides at 2 years of (corrected) age. In VLBW children, over the first 2 years of life both cortisol and cortisone are higher in the early-insulin group compared to the standard care group. Conclusions: In VLBW infants, lower 11β-HSD2 activity probably contributes to the long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks. In VLBW infants, early insulin treatment could affect programming of the HPA axis, resulting in higher cortisol and cortisone levels during early childhood.

Multimodal longitudinal respiratory function assessment in very low birth weight 7-year-old children

PurposePreterm birth is associated with adverse pulmonary outcomes. We aimed to evaluate respiratory morbidities and lung function of very low birth weight (VLBW) Polish children followed up at the age of 7 years old, and to compare with electrical impedance segmentography (EIS) results recorded at 4 years of age. Materials and methodsVLBW children were compared with term controls using impulse oscillometry and spirometry. Perinatal data and current respiratory morbidities were analyzed and pulmonary function test results were compared with previous EIS results. ResultsWe included 40 VLBW children and 30 controls in the analysis. Elevated total airway resistance and forced expiratory volume in the first second below the lower limit of normal were more prevalent in VLBW children compared with term controls (15 vs 0%; 18 vs 0%). A positive bronchodilator response was more common in VLBW children (R5 Hz: 46 vs 13.3%; R5–20 ​Hz: 65 vs 36.7%). Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) had higher total airway resistance (R5 Hz/R5 Hz pred: 1.35 vs 0.95; p ​< ​0.001), large airway resistance (R20 Hz/R20 Hz pred: 0.89 vs 0.66; p ​= ​0.001), small airway resistance (R5–20 ​Hz: 0.57 vs 0.34 ​kPa ​L−1 ​s−1; p ​= ​0.009), than controls. Strong correlation between BDR in EIS and R5 Hz/R5 Hz pred was observed in children with BPD (r ​= ​0.7). ConclusionVLBW school-aged children with BPD presented with substantial respiratory morbidity and persistent reduction of lung function, affecting small and large airways and lung parenchyma. EIS may be an alternative tool for lung function assessment in children with BPD.

Developmental Status of Five-Year-old Children with Very-Low-Birth-Weight.

ObjectiveSome previous studies have reported the improved survival of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates with no disabilities. However, 16% of these neonates have developmental disorders. Considering the lack of research on the developmental status of five-year-old VLBW children and the importance of early detection and treatment, in this study, we aimed to assess the developmental status of five-year-old VLBW children.Materials & MethodsThis historical cohort study was conducted on five-year-old children. The participants were divided into VLBW and normal-birth-weight (NBW) groups. Data were gathered using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). This questionnaire consisted of five developmental domains, including communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal/social skills. Data were reported by measuring descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, number, and percentage, and analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test in SPSS version 22. Results A total of 106 five-year-old children, including two groups of VLBW and NBW, participated in this study. The results of Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference between the groups regarding the scores of communication (P=0.002), gross motor (P<0.001), fine motor (P<0.001), and problem-solving (P<0.001) skills. However, no significant difference was found between the groups regarding the personal/social developmental status (P=0.559).ConclusionAccording to the results, a higher risk of developmental delay was observed in VLBW infants as compared to NBW neonates; therefore, it is recommended to perform developmental screening tests for timely detection of high-risk children and early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Healthcare access and adverse family impact among U.S. children ages 0\u20135\u2009years by prematurity status

BackgroundMany children and their families are affected by premature birth. Yet, little is known about their healthcare access and adverse family impact during early childhood. This study aimed to (1) examine differences in healthcare access and adverse family impact among young children by prematurity status and (2) determine associations of healthcare access with adverse family impact among young children born prematurely.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional 2016 and 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health data. The sample included 19,482 U.S. children ages 0–5 years including 242 very low birthweight (VLBW) and 2205 low birthweight and/or preterm (LBW/PTB) children. Prematurity status was defined by VLBW (i.e., < 1500 g at birth) and LBW/PTB (i.e., 1500–2499 g at birth and/or born at < 37 weeks with or without LBW). Healthcare access measures were adequate health insurance, access to medical home, and developmental screening receipt. Adverse family impact measures were ≥ $1000 in annual out-of-pocket medical costs, having a parent cut-back or stop work, parental aggravation, maternal health not excellent, and paternal health not excellent. The relative risk of each healthcare access and adverse family impact measure was computed by prematurity status. Propensity weighted models were fit to estimate the average treatment effect of each healthcare access measure on each adverse family impact measure among children born prematurely (i.e., VLBW or LBW/PTB).ResultsBivariate analysis results showed that VLBW and/or LBW/PTB children generally fared worse than other children in terms of medical home, having a parent cut-back or stop working, parental aggravation, and paternal health. Multivariable analysis results only showed, however, that VLBW children had a significantly higher risk than other children of having a parent cut-back or stop work. Adequate health insurance and medical home were each associated with reduced adjusted relative risk of ≥$1000 in annual out-of-pocket costs, having a parent cut-back or stop work, and parental aggravation among children born prematurely.ConclusionsThis study’s findings demonstrate better healthcare access is associated with reduced adverse family impact among U.S. children ages 0–5 years born prematurely. Population health initiatives should target children born prematurely and their families.

Language outcome of very low birth weight babies at 2-year corrected age: A comparative study

Background: Improved survival of preterm infants has resulted in increase in motor and cognitive dysfunctions which have reduced health-related quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the receptive and expressive language (EL) development of very low birth weight (VLBW) babies at 2-year corrected age and compare it with normal birth weight (NBW) “at-risk” babies on developmental follow-up. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which compared the language outcome which was measured using Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Scale. Results: The study included 75 VLBW babies and a comparison group of 26 NBW babies. The mean receptive language quotient in VLBW and NBW babies was 91.37±8.35 and 97.19±7.07, respectively (p=0.002). The mean EL quotient in VLBW and NBW babies was 82.64±12.32 and 92.77±10.47, respectively (p&lt;0.001). A total of 20% of VLBW children had a significant delay in EL as opposed to only 4% of the NBW children (p=0.019). Conclusion: VLBW infants have a significantly higher chance of expressive language delay compared to NBW children.

Screening for Language Delay between 6 Months and 3 Years of Corrected Age in Very Low Birth Weight Children

To screen for language delay in very low birth weight (VLBW) children between 6 months to 3 years using Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum, 0-3 years. VLBW inborn neonates at a corrected age of 6 months to 3 years visiting follow-up clinic were enrolled. Children with hearing loss were excluded. Prevalence and predictors of language delay were ascertained. Of 200 enrolled subjects, out of the 1400 VLBW discharged, 64 (32%) had language delay. On multivariate analysis, late onset sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus and poor socioeconomic status were significant predictors of language delay. Abnormal neurological examination and suspect development were also associated with language delay. In VLBW children, the frequency of language delay is quite high. These children should be screened for language delay.

Women born with very low birth weight have similar menstrual cycle pattern, pregnancy rates and hormone profiles compared with women born at term

BackgroundIndividuals born very preterm or with very low birth weight (VLBW) have a reduced likelihood to reproduce according to population-based register studies. Extremely low-birth weight born adults had a lower reproduction rate for both men and women in a follow-up study.AimTo investigate if being born with VLBW is associated with differences in the reproductive health, i.e. age of menarche, menstrual cycle pattern, pregnancy rates and hormone profile compared with women born at term.MethodsA prospective long-term follow-up of a cohort of live-born VLBW children and their controls studied repeatedly since birth and now assessed at 26–28 years of age. Of the totally 80 girls enrolled from birth 49 women (24 VLBW women and 25 controls) participated in the current follow-up. The women’s anthropometric data and serum hormone levels were analysed.ResultsThe reproductive hormone levels, including Anti-Mullerian Hormone, did not differ significantly between VLBW women and their controls. Both groups reported menstrual cycle irregularities and pregnancies to the same extent but the VLBW women reported 1.5 years later age of menarche. The VLBW subjects had a catch-up growth within 18 months of birth but remained on average 5 cm shorter in adult height. There were no significant differences in BMI, sagittal abdominal diameter, blood pressure or in their answers regarding life style between the VLBW women and the controls.ConclusionNo differences in the reproductive hormone levels were found between VLBW women and their controls. Although age at menarche was somewhat higher in the VLBW group menstrual cycles and pregnancy rates were similar in the VLBW and control groups. Further follow-up studies are required to elucidate the health outcomes of being born VLBW.