Abstract
143 from the 160 neurologically abnormal newborns from a 3-years cohort (n=3162) were re-examined at 9 years of age, together with two at random selected groups of neurologically suspect (n=207) and normal (n=229) newborns (Perinatal Project Groningen).
Severe neurological sequelae (3%) were found only in the abnormal and suspect subgroups. The majority of abnormal and suspect newborns recovered, however. Minor neurological dysfunction (MND) was found more frequently in the suspect and especially in the abnormal group, and more boys were affected than girls.
Within the neonatally abnormal groups there appeared to be a relationship between obstetrical variables such as birthweight and Apgar scores and neurological sequelae at 9 years. This relationship was less clear in the neonatally normal group.
MND at 9 years appeared to be related to speech development and schoolproblems. Behavioural problems also occurred more frequently in this category. These relationships became stronger when the neonatal neurological condition is taken into consideration.
It is concluded that the neonatal neurological condition is a sensitive indicator for the risk of later neurological and behavioural problems. The specifity, however, is low.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dijkshoorn, P., Hadders-Algra, M., Touwen, B. et al. 117 Neurological follow-up at 9 years of normal, suspect and abnormal newborns. Pediatr Res 20, 1053 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00171
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00171