Longitudinal study of the development of children born preterm in the first year of post-natal age / Estudo longitudinal do desenvolvimento de crianças nascidas pré-termo no primeiro ano pós-natal

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the development of children born preterm and to compare the performance in the ranges of 5-7 and 10-14 months of corrected age. The children's development indicators and the variables of neonatal period and familial environment were correlated. Thirty children were assessed by Denver-II. The caregivers were interviewed and the medical chart was examined. Twenty per cent of children presented risk for developmental problems at 5-7 months, and 27% at 10-14 months. There was statistical significant difference between ages in language, with high risk at 10-14. The children with lower birthweight, lower gestational age, longer time stay in the hospital, and with adverse family situations showed higher risk for developmental problems.

Keywords

• Pre-term
• Very low weight
• Development
• Health