The association of growth impairment with neurodevelopmental outcome at eight years of age in very preterm children

Abstract

Background: The relative contributions of poor growth before and after birth in very preterm infants to subsequent outcomes at school-age are not certain. Aims: To determine the associations between weight and head circumference, at birth and postnatally, with cognitive, academic and motor outcomes at age 8 years for very preterm children free of neurosensory impairment. Study design: This was a regional cohort study from the state of Victoria, Australia. Subjects: 179 very preterm infants (< 28 weeks' gestational age) born in 1991 and 1992 who were free of neurosensory impairment. Outcome measures: At 8 years of age children had cognitive, academic and motor assessments. Weight and head cir..