Newborn head size and neurological status. Predictors of growth and development of low birth weight infants

Am J Dis Child. 1978 Aug;132(8):753-6. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1978.02120330025005.

Abstract

One hundred eighteen infants with birth weights of 2,000 g or less were evaluated for growth and development at approximately 5 years of age. Review of neonatal data indicated that head circumference less than the tenth percentile at birth and abnormal neurological examination in the newborn period were important predictors of outcome. Both of these factors were associated with poor growth, later microcephaly, and neurological deficit. In addition, neonatal microcephaly was substantially related to poor intellectual attainment. Other associations were seen between microcephaly at birth and intrauterine growth retardation, low Apgar score, and low socioeconomic status, factors that also correlated with poor outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Apgar Score
  • Child Development*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / complications
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Growth Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Growth Disorders / etiology
  • Head / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Microcephaly / diagnosis
  • Microcephaly / etiology
  • Neurologic Examination*
  • Pregnancy
  • Refractive Errors / diagnosis
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Speech Disorders / diagnosis