engleski

Neuromotor, cognitive and language outcome in children with intrauterine growth retardation

Studies have shown that statistically higher proportions of children with IUGR (relative to their peers) are having neuromotor difficulties as well as school problems as defined by grade repetition or placement in special education programs. The aim of this study was to determine the neurodevelopmental outcome of children with IUGR due to placental insufficiency, diagnosed by Color Doppler during pregnancy, at preschool age. Sixteen children, aged 4, 5 to 7 (5y10m ± 1y) with IUGR (evaluated by repeated US and Doppler examinations and having C/U ratio lower than one) are assessed. Neurodevelopmental outcome was determined by follow-up examination of neurological status (Touwen) and psychological and language abilities (f.e. WPPSI-III, Token Test, memory tasks). The information about the morphology of the brain in perinatal period, diagnosed by intracranial ultrasonography, was obtained from medical reports. Thirteen children were preterms, and three were born at term. On the neonatal US scan, 8 children had normal findings, one child had PVH, four PVL grades I or II and three children had combined PVL grade III and PVH (according to Weisglass-Kuperus or Papile). At preschool age one child had normal neurological status, 13 had minor neurological deficit (76, 5%) and in two children cerebral palsy was found (both of them had combined PVL III and PVH). All individuals had normal IQ. Language abilities were also in broad range of normal, but in four children who had lower cognitive as well as language achievement. The majority of presented children with IUGR have had a favorable outcome at preschool age showing normal findings or minor neuromotor disorder. However, longer assessments throughout school age are necessary in order to detect specific learning or behavioral problems.

Intrauterine growth retardation; Outcome; Preschool age

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