Eight-year developmental follow-up in children with birthweights 1,251-1,500g in KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Abstract

Background: Children of very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight <1,500g) are at risk of developmental disability and learning difficulties. Regular follow-up to a school-going age allows timely diagnosis and intervention. Methods: The duration, developmental assessment and service utilisation of 41 VLBW children with birth weights between 1,251-1,500g born in 2001 were retrospectively analysed. Results: The median follow-up duration was 5 years 11 months. 56% were followed-up till preschool entry. Gross motor, fine motor and language domains were assessed in more than 95% of children. Information on behavioural and learning problems was only sought for in approximately 50% of children. Conclusions: A significant proportion of these high-risk children were either not followed-up long enough or were not adequately assessed for learning and behavioural problems, thus justifying the development of a new standardised follow-up program for larger VLBW children.