Screening for Language Delay between 6 Months and 3 Years of Corrected Age in Very Low Birth Weight Children

ABSTRACT

Objective: To screen for language delay in very low birth weight (VLBW) children between6 months to 3 years using Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum, 0-3 years. Methods:VLBW inborn neonates at a corrected age of 6 months to 3 years visiting follow-up clinicwere enrolled. Children with hearing loss were excluded. Prevalence and predictors oflanguage delay were ascertained. Results: Of 200 enrolled subjects, out of the 1400VLBW discharged, 64 (32%) had language delay. On multivariate analysis, late onsetsepsis, patent ductus arteriosus and poor socioeconomic status were significant predictorsof language delay. Abnormal neurological examination and suspect development were alsoassociated with language delay. Conclusions: In VLBW children, the frequency oflanguage delay is quite high. These children should be screened for language delay.