Abstract
Background: Survival of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants has increased. Within this cohort infants born less than the 0.4th centile are a high risk group. Studies of this subgroup have been small and have suggested these infants are at increased risk of long term neurodevelopmental problems.
Methods: Clinical and 2 year outcome data were collected on all VLBW infants < 0.4th centile born between 1993 to 2002 from a regional database.
Results: 128 infants were born below 0.4th centile (median gestational age 34, range 24-39 weeks).43% had some disability with 23% having moderate to severe disability. 3% had cerebral palsy (2 diplegia,1 hemiplegia, 1 quadriplegia). 11% had motor impairment. 35% had sensory impairment, 47% of these were moderate to severe. 56% required readmission within the first 2 years (median: 2, range: 1 to 9). 13 % had three or more admissions. 58% were referred to one or more community services. Eleven different community services were involved in this. In terms of growth 16% of babies were still below the 0.4th centile and 59% were below the 9th centile at two years of age. Head circumferences were noted to be below the 9th centile at 2 years in 72% babies.
Conclusion: Despite greater gestational age this cohort has higher rate of disability at 2 years (23%) than the overall VLBW group (19%). Many infants born below 0.4th centile have long term health problems and significant health service requirements. Systemic and head growth remain poor at 2 years of age.0.4th centile and 59% were below the 9th centile at two years of age.
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Chaudhary, R., Palanivel, V., Curley, A. et al. 1246 Infants with Birth Weight Less Than the 0.4Th Centile Have High Rates of Disability and Poor Growth at 2 Years. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 617 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01246
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01246