Developmental status of 5-year-old moderate low birth weight children

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (LBW or birth weight<2500 g) is one of the most serious children problems in today's world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare developmental status of moderately LBW (birth weight: 1500-2499 g) children at the age of five to that of normal birth weight (NBW: birth weight: 2500-4000 g) ones.

Methods: In a case-control study, developmental status of five year old children referred for vaccination between December 2008 and June 2009 in Yazd-Iran, evaluated via Persian version of 60-month Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). NBW and MLBW children were selected as control and case groups, respectively.

Results: Frequency of developmental delay in gross motor, fine motor and problem solving domains were significantly higher in MLBW group and mean score in all developmental domains was statistically significant lower in case group.

Conclusion: LBW is one of risk factors for developmental delay. So, evaluation and monitoring of development status of LBW should be emphasized for early and timely diagnosis, investigation, management and also rehabilitation.