Association between small for gestational age and low birth weight with attention deficit and impaired executive functions in 3-6 years old children.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are frequently reported among children with history of small body size at birth and disproportionate intrauterine growth retardation. The current study aimed to investigate some factors like executive functions and attention deficit in children with history of Small for gestational age (SGA) and/or Low Birth Weight (LBW) at birth. METHODS: A historical cohort study was done and 3-6 years old preschool children (with past history of SGA/LBW) from some kindergartens and health centers were selected. Control group was randomly selected among children with history of normal birth weight and appropriate for gestational age at birth. All children were interviewed by an expert psychologist. Variables related to their attention, development, and executive functions were assessed by ASQ, Conner's, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Completed questionnaires related Attention deficit and indexes of executive functions were evaluated between children in case groups and their counterparts in controls. RESULTS: Based on inclusion criteria, 229 preschool children entered the study. With regard to size for gestational age, 124 cases were categorized in the SGA/LBW group and the rest were assigned in the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group. In the case group, NPE and Percent Perseverative Errors (PPE) scores were significantly lower than normal birth weight group (p = .0001, p = .015). Scores related B item of Conner's was significantly different between cases and their controls (p = .039, p = .035). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that children with past history of some risks at birth may suffer from complications related attention and executive functions in their childhood. Recommendations for further research are strongly suggested.

Is there any relation between Duration of breastfeeding and anemia?

BACKGROUND: In the early months of life, Breastfeeding increases chance of survival, reduces recovery time after disease and mortality due to infections such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. However, infants who are exclusively breast-fed for more than 6 months in developing countries may be at increased risk of anemia. Therefore, the aim of study was to assess the relation between duration of breastfeeding and anemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 400 neonates registered in primary health care system since birth time. Complete blood count and serum ferritin were obtained. Data were analyzed by chi- square test and regression analysis. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant and 95% confidence interval was noted. RESULTS: Results of this study showed that 199 infants were anemic (Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration <11 mg/dl). Ten percent of anemic patients reported Ferritin< 12ng/dl and %25 of anemic children had iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In Binominal logistic regression, merely kind of delivery and duration of breastfeeding were effective factors. Binominal logistic regression also showed that natural vaginal delivery and exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months had a significant influence on anemia. Exclusive breast feeding for 6 months or more increased the likelihood of anemia. In addition, 4 months exclusive breastfeeding decreased 0.686 fold the likelihood of anemia. CONCLUSION: According to the results, it seems that revision of health program recommendations for iron supplementation can be constructive. National planning to promote the level of knowledge regarding natural vaginal delivery and appropriate period for clamping can be recommended.