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Medical, cognitive and academic outcomes of very low birth weight infants at age 10–14 years in Ireland

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Abstract

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) is a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity, and a specific risk for the development of neuro-developmental and academic problems.

Aim

To examine the medical, cognitive and academic outcomes of VLBW (<1,500 g) children, born in one maternity hospital in Dublin between 1995 and 1997.

Methods

The study employed a prospective/cohort design, with semi-structured, and standardised measures, along with the completion of a study-specific questionnaire. Ratings were obtained from parents and teachers.

Results

Of the 127 surviving VLBW cohort, 64 (50 %) consented to assessment at a mean age of 11.6 years (SD 1.0) along with a matched-weight and gender control sample of 51. VLBW children had an increased risk of chronic medical problems and neuro-sensory deficits, but without any increased use in services. Similarly, they had lower IQ (mean 89.7 compared to NBW 101.3, p < 0.001) and more were identified by teachers to have special education needs (33 % VLBW vs. 7 % NBW, p < 0.005). With regard to academic attainments, birth weight had a significant [t(98) = −4.54, p < 0.001] and robust effect (η2 = 0.17) on mathematical attainment scores. Those with lower SES fared least well off.

Conclusions

Although significant advances have been made in reducing infant mortality, there is a recognised increased risk of subsequent disability especially with decreasing gestational age, and when coupled with low SES. Having facilitated the survival of vulnerable infants, services must be available for the necessary on-going medical and educational support and treatment that they require throughout adolescent years.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by a research grant from St. John of God Hospital research committee.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lucena Clinic, Rathgar, Dublin 6, Ireland

    Fiona McNicholas, Niamh O’Connor & Susie Coakley

  2. Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland

    Fiona McNicholas, Martin White & Margaret Sherdian-Pereira

  3. University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Fiona McNicholas

  4. Lucena Clinic, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland

    Elaine Healy

  5. Coombe Woman and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland

    Martin White & Margaret Sherdian-Pereira

  6. Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Margaret Sherdian-Pereira

  7. Teaching and Learning College Human Sciences, University College Dublin School of Psychology, Dublin 4, Ireland

    Barbara Dooley

Authors
  1. Fiona McNicholas
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  2. Elaine Healy
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  3. Martin White
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  4. Margaret Sherdian-Pereira
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  5. Niamh O’Connor
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  6. Susie Coakley
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  7. Barbara Dooley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fiona McNicholas.

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McNicholas, F., Healy, E., White, M. et al. Medical, cognitive and academic outcomes of very low birth weight infants at age 10–14 years in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 183, 525–532 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-013-1040-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-013-1040-9

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