Neurodevelopmental outcome over time of preterm born children ≤750 g at birth

Background: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are at risk of cognitive impairment and follow-up is therefore of major importance. The age at which their neurodevelopmental outcome (NDO) can reliably be predicted differs in the literature. Aims: To describe NDO at 2, 3.5 and 5.5 years in an ELBW cohort. To examine the value of NDO at 2 years corrected age (CA) for prediction of NDO at 3.5 and 5.5 years. Study design: A retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study. Subjects: 101 children with a BW <= 750g, born between 1996 and 2005, who survived NICU admission and were included in a follow-up program. Outcome measures: NDO, measured with different tests for general development and intelligence, depending on age of assessment and classified as normal (Z-score >= - 1), mildly delayed (-2 <= Z-score < - 1) or severely delayed (Z-score < - 2). Results: At 2, 3.5 and 5.5 years 74.3, 82.2 and 76.2% had a normal NDO. A normal NDO at 2 years CA predicted a normal NDO at 3.5 and 5.5 years in 92% and 84% respectively. Of the children with a mildly or severely delayed NDO at 2 years CA the majority showed an improved NDO at 3.5 (692%) and 5.5 years (65.4%) respectively. Conclusions: The majority of the children with a BW 750g had a normal NDO at all ages. A normal NDO at 2 years CA is a good predictor for normal outcome at 3.5 and 5.5 years, whereas a delayed NDO at 2 years CA is subject to change with the majority of the children showing a better NDO at 3.5 and 55 years. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved,