Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Extremely Low Birth Weight Children at Corrected Age of Two Years.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the neurodevelopmental, cognitive and behavioral function of extremely low birth weight babies (ELBW) till corrected age of two years. Methods: 79 ELBW babies were enrolled and followed at 1 year (n=50), 18 months (n=47) and 2 years (n=36). Adverse composite outcome was defined as death or moderate-to- severe neurodevelopmental impairment (defined as either cerebral palsy or DQ score <70 or deafness or blindness). Results: At 1 year, 24% were neurologically abnormal. At 18 months, average score (>85) was seen in 25 (54%) children in motor and 8 (17%) in mental development. Abnormal behavioral score (³12) was seen in 89% children. Adverse composite outcome was present in 28 (35.4 %) babies. Conclusion: ELBW neonates are at a high risk of neurodevelopmental and behavioral impairment.