Long-term health and development of children diagnosed prenatally with a de novo apparently balanced chromosomal rearrangement

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine if liveborn children with prenatally detected de novo apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements (ABCR) have more long-term health, developmental or behavioural concerns compared with children in a normal Australian population.

Methods: This was a retrospective ascertainment of all liveborn children with prenatally detected de novo ABCRs in two Australian states over a 10-year period (1994-2003). Child health, development and behaviour were assessed by maternal report using standardised measures; educational ability and achievement were measured by direct child assessment. Data were compared with relevant population norms, and one sample t-test performed to test for statistical differences.

Results: Of 39 eligible cases, 16 (41%) participated in the study. One child (6%) was born with a congenital anomaly, and two children (12.5%) reported a chronic health concern. Compared with population norms, no significant differences were observed with respect to intelligence, mental health, child development and educational ability; children had significantly higher scores indicative of better functioning on bodily pain, social-emotional behaviour and physical functioning. No child satisfied the criteria for having a special health care need.

Conclusion: Children in this study with a prenatally detected de novo ABCR have similar long-term health, developmental and behavioural outcomes compared with population norms.