DEVELOPMENTAL MILLSTONES IN CHILDREN WITH NORMAL, LOW, AND VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHTS.

In recent years with the development of NICUs, survival rates of VLBW and
LBW infants has increased in many countries including Iran. There is concern that this increased
survival is associated with increased rates of some disabilities, but some studies have reported
improved survival without increased morbidity. Until now, there are few studies about long term
complications due to VLBW in developing countries including Iran. The present study investigated
and compared the development of children with normal, low, and very low birth weight infants. We're
trying to answer the question whether there is any relationship between birth weight and child
development.
Materials & Methods: In a retrospective study 214 infants who had inclusion criteria were enrolled.
Their development indices were evaluated according to the information contained in their medical
records. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, ANOVA and Pearson co efficient
tests by using SPSS software version 11.
Results: Lack of the expected motor and sensory aspects of development had the highest frequency in
VLBW infants from 2 – 15 months of age. There was inverse relationship between birth weight and
lack of motor development, but there were no significant difference between NBW, LBW, and VLBW
infants for their language and also cognitive development.
Conclusion: Developmental disorder in children with low birth weight occurred mostly in the motor
domain. Therefore, it is recommended to all employees of the health services to pay special attention
to the key points of motor development. If there is any symptoms suggestive of developmental delay
immediate referral to higher levels of care should be taken