Die neurologische und kognitive Entwicklung zu klein geborener Kinder

This article aims to provide an overview on the neurological and cognitive outcome of children who were “born too small”. We will discuss the neurodevelopmental prognosis of term born small for gestational age children, and for children born prematurely (appropriate and small for gestational age). The various underlying causes responsible for intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and significance for neurodevelopmental outcome will be discussed briefly. Neurodevelopmental outcome of term born children with IUGR due to intrauterine malnutrition and outcome of preterm born small for gestational age (SGA) as well as preterm born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children will then be discussed in more detail. Children with IUGR represent a heterogeneous group regarding the underlying cause that is responsible for the growth retardation. Neurodevelopmental prognosis very much depends on the specific underlying cause. IUGR caused by intrauterine malnutrition is not necessarily associated with neurodevelopmental problems. However, results of several studies suggest that in term born children with IUGR mild neuromotor problems and lower full scale IQ is more frequent when compared with term born appropriate for gestational age children. Prematurely born children are at high risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. There is no difference in frequency of disabling impairments between AGA and SGA preterm children. However, in preterms with IUGR there seems to be a higher frequency of mild neuromotor problems and cognitive function seems to be poorer than in appropriate for gestational age preterms.