The Development of Italian Low- and Very-low-birthweight Infants from Birth to 5 Years: The Role of Biological and Social Risks

Abstract

This study attempted to determine how cognitive, motor, linguistic, and social competencies of preterm children develop from birth to five years in comparison with a group of fullterm children. The interaction between biological and social risks was considered in evaluating short- and long-term delays in development. The study was also designed to ascertain whether infant test scores of the first two years are predictive of later IQ scores. A total of 195 healthy Italian preterms (birthweight ≤ 2000 grams, without severe neonatal complications) were administered the Brunet-Lezine test at 6,12, and 24 months (corrected age), and 149 of them the Stanford-Binet test at 3,4, and 5 years (chronological age). The preterm group showed motor, cognitive, and social delays in the first year, linguistic delays until 24 months, and general cognitive delays until 5 years in comparison with the fullterm group. However, preterms' mean infant test scores and IQ scores fell within the normal range. The probability of delays in development was increased by the conditions of intra-uterine growth retardation and very-low-birthweight, and, after the first year of life, by a low level of paternal education. Brunet-Lezine test scores were predictive of later IQ scores, as were sex and parental education. In conclusion, preterm birth is correlated with delays in development, especially when it is associated with other biological and/or social risk factors.