Growth, neurological and cognitive development in infants with a birthweight <501 g at age 5 years.

AIM: To determine growth, neurological and cognitive development at 5 years of preterm infants with birthweights <501 g born in three German tertiary perinatal centres between 1998 and 2001.

METHODS

Structured neurological examination, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale and the Kaufman-Assessment-Battery Test for Children.

RESULTS

Of 107 infants, 48 received immediate life support (gestational age 25.2 weeks [21-30.7]; birth weight 435 g [290-500]) median [range]), 27 (56%) survived until follow-up [95% CI 39-69%], 19 (70%) could be tested. In few infants had catch-up growth taken place. Neurological test results were normal in five infants (26%) and mildly abnormal/severely abnormal in 11 (58%)/3 (16%) infants. Visual impairment was present in eight (42%), and hearing disability in three (16%). The mean mental processing composite (IQ) was 82 [50-104] (median [range]).

CONCLUSION

Of all resuscitated infants with a birthweight <501 g, 56% survived to school age. Of these, composite outcome score showed normal development or mild disability in one-half, and moderate or severe disability in the other half of them. Investigators should include such infants in studies and their reports should give specific information about them.