Abstract
Although the estimation of intelligence is an essential part of studies of the effects of prematurity, there is controversy regarding the earliest age at which psychometric testing is reliable. This paper presents results of a 6 year prospective study of 90 infants born in 1970, 1971. Mean birthweight was 1165± 198g; mean gestation 29.8±2.8 wk. The infants were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the age of early psychometric testing. Bayley Scales were administered to Group I (N=34) at ages 9-13 mo from term and to Group II (N=56) at ages 14-26 mo from term. The Mental and Psychomotor Development Indices were averaged for each patient and the results expressed as the Bayley Index (Group I, 91.3±17; Group II, 88.4±19). Wechsler Intelligence Tests were administered to each group at 5-6 yr. The Full Scale Quotients were 92.1±14 for Group I; 87.5±18 for Group II. Multiple regression analyses were made between the Bayley and Wechsler scores in each group. Group II showed a high positive correlation (r=0.72, p <0.001). This correlation was significantly higher (p <0.05) than the coefficient obtained for Group I (r=0.36, p <0.02). Low socio-economic status tended to lower the Wechsler score below the expected value.
The results show that psychometric testing prior to 2 yr of age in premature infants is predictive of school age I.Q. but that the prediction is most reliable if testing is done after 14 no from term.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fitzsimons, R., Ashby, S. & Fitzhardlnge, P. 41 THE PREDICTION OF SCHOOL AGE I.Q. DURING INFANCY IN THE PREMATURE CHILD. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 370 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00046
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00046