Different Developmental Courses for Very-Low-Birthweight Infants Differing in Early Head Growth

Very-low-birthweight (<1500 grams) infants were divided into four groups using head circumference at birth (normocephalic vs. microcephalic) and head circumference change from birth to 6 weeks (≥3.5 cm vs. <3.5 cm). Normocephalic/≥3.5 cm infants (n = 32) did not differ from a matched group of full-term infants (n = 95) in growth, neurological functioning, or Bayley Mental Development Index and Psychomotor Development Index scores at 6, 15, and 24 months adjusted age. Microcephalic/<3.5 cm infants (n = 9) had increased incidences of growth failure, neurological defects, and marked continuing delays in MDI and PDI. Microcephalic/≥3.5 cm infants (n = 12) had an increased incidence of early delays in MDI and PDI (<84 at 6 months) but thereafter did not differ from full-term infants. Normocephalic/<3.5 cm infants (n = 32) had increased incidences of neurological defects and early delays as well as late-appearing delays (<84 at 24 months) in Bayley Scale performance; those with no delay still scored lower than full-term infants with no delay. Additional correlates of "catch-up" development and late-appearing delays were sought. © 1985 American Psychological Association.

Duke Scholars

Author Carol O. Eckerman Psychology & Neuroscience