Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Infants From Southern India at Corrected Age of One Year

ObjectiveTo assess the growth and neurodevelopmental outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at corrected age of one year.MethodsThis prospective cohort study enrolled VLBW infants delivered in a tertiary care hospital, and followed up till one-year corrected age. The WHO Anthropo version 3.2.2 software was used to calculate weight for age, length for age, and head circumference z-score during follow up. Neurodevelopmental assessment was done using Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) at the age of one year.ResultsThe mean (SD) z-scores at one-year for weight for age, length for age and head circumference were -2.1 (1.1), -1.4 (1.03) and -2.2 (1.2), respectively. The mean (SD) DASII motor and mental scores were 90.8 (13.4) and 96.5 (13.2), respectively. Major and minor developmental abnormalities were noted in 9.4% and 18.2%, infants, respectively. Cerebral palsy was noted in 5.8% infants.ConclusionVLBW infants showed impaired growth and significant developmental abnormalities at the corrected age of one year.