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.

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.

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.

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.