Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Extremely Low Birth Weight Children at Corrected Age of Two Years.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the neurodevelopmental, cognitive and behavioral function of extremely low birth weight babies (ELBW) till corrected age of two years.

METHODS

79 ELBW babies were enrolled and followed at 1 year (n=50), 18 months (n=47) and 2 years (n=36). Adverse composite outcome was defined as death or moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment (defined as either cerebral palsy or DQ score <70 or deafness or blindness).

RESULTS

At 1 year, 24% were neurologically abnormal. At 18 months, average score (>85) was seen in 25 (54%) children in motor and 8 (17%) in mental development. Abnormal behavioral score (?12) was seen in 89% children. Adverse composite outcome was present in 28 (35.4%) babies.

CONCLUSIONS

ELBW neonates are at a high risk of neurodevelopmental and behavioral impairment.