[P3-164] Developmental problems of very low birth weight infants who need long-term follow-up
[Introduction] Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants are at increased risk for developmental difficulties including learning difficulty, but some of these problems are noticed only after the child reaches school-age. In this study, we investigated the developmental characteristics of 9-year-old VLBW children who needed further developmental follow-up to clarify factors that may influence adaptation at age 9.
[Methods] Thirty-five VLBW children who underwent developmental assessments at age 6 and 9 were included. General cognitive scores and the developmental characteristics were compared between the two groups: who were identified for further follow-up and support (group A: n = 18) and those who did not (group B: n = 17).
[Results] The mean gestational age and birthweight were 28 weeks and 839 grams respectively in group A, and were not different significantly from group B. In group A, 4 had mental retardation (2 with cerebral palsy), 10 had borderline cognition, and 4 had normal cognition with autism spectrum disorder and/or attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder at age 9. Of the 10 borderline cognition cases, 5 had normal scores at age 6, and all of them tended to have attention-deficit.
[Conclusion] VLBW children who needed follow-ups after the age of 9 had ,difficulties in social communication and attention-deficit even without the coexistence of mental retardation or physical impairment. Deficits in attention may lead to learning difficulties. Thus, it is important to detect these difficulties before school age and to support them appropriately in case of need. 241/
[Methods] Thirty-five VLBW children who underwent developmental assessments at age 6 and 9 were included. General cognitive scores and the developmental characteristics were compared between the two groups: who were identified for further follow-up and support (group A: n = 18) and those who did not (group B: n = 17).
[Results] The mean gestational age and birthweight were 28 weeks and 839 grams respectively in group A, and were not different significantly from group B. In group A, 4 had mental retardation (2 with cerebral palsy), 10 had borderline cognition, and 4 had normal cognition with autism spectrum disorder and/or attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder at age 9. Of the 10 borderline cognition cases, 5 had normal scores at age 6, and all of them tended to have attention-deficit.
[Conclusion] VLBW children who needed follow-ups after the age of 9 had ,difficulties in social communication and attention-deficit even without the coexistence of mental retardation or physical impairment. Deficits in attention may lead to learning difficulties. Thus, it is important to detect these difficulties before school age and to support them appropriately in case of need. 241/