Abstract
Few studies have as yet evaluated educational outcome for VLBW children who received intensive neonatal care. As part of a longitudinal study we report the eight year outcome for 51 children, with birthweights of 1250g or less, who were free of major impairment and receiving mainstream education.
Children were assessed at school using a battery of motor, behavioural and educational tests. Compared to age and sex matched classmates, the index group had significantly poorer age adjusted scores in maths (VLBW group: med: 25 (range:9-40); controls: 32 (10-52); p=<0.001), spelling (VLBW: 95 (45-141); controls: 106 (77-145); p=0.026) and motor performance (VLBW: 3.5 (0-11); controls 2.0 (0-8); p=<0.001). 50% of VLBW children were having problems in one or more subject, 30% considerable difficulty. Teachers reported significantly more emotional problems among the VLBW group. Children with poor motor scores at six years had significantly lower maths, reading, spelling and higher behavioural scores at eight.
Despite major improvements in survival and major morbidity, VLBW children are still at risk of major learning difficulties that may be identifiable by preschool motor testing.
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Marlow, N., Roberts, L. & Cooke, R. 118 VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT CHILDREN AT JUNIOR SCHOOL. Pediatr Res 28, 296 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00142
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00142