Growth and neurodevelopment outcome of very low birth weight infants delivered by preeclamptic mothers

Aim: To investigate growth and neurodevelopment outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants delivered by preeclamptic mothers. Methods: A cohort including all VLBW infants delivered between December 2003 and May 2005 was followed up to 12 and 18 months corrected age (CA). Exclusion criteria: death before 1 year corrected age, major malformations, deafness and blindness. Weight, length and head circumference were plotted on NCHS curves. Bayley Scales were performed at 12 and 18 months CA. Results: 40 infants in preeclamptic and 46 in control groups were studied. Birth weight and gestational age were 1148 g +/- 236 and 1195 g +/- 240, and 31.3 weeks +/- 1 and 30.6 weeks +/- 2 for preeclamptic and control groups, respectively. At 12 and 18 months, CA, weight for age (Z score) was significantly higher in control than in preeclamptic. PDI scores were higher in preeclamptic than in controls at 18 months CA. Conclusions: Catch-up of body weight did not occur in the first 18 months CA in preeclamptic infants. Neurodevelopment outcome was better in infants delivered by preeclamptic mothers than in controls at 18 months CA.