Neuro-intellectual prognosis at school age for 62 children born with a gestational age of under 32 weeks]

AIM: The aim of this study was to detail the incidence of cerebral palsy in children born before 32 weeks of gestation and to evaluate the scholastic and intellectual performance in non-handicapped children. POPULATION AND METHODS: The population included 63 survivors hospitalized in 1984-85 (gestational age: 30.06 +/- 1.21 weeks; birth weight: 1386 +/- 267 g; inborn 60%; male: 38.7%; small for gestational age: 4.8%; hyaline membrane disease: 32%; European: 98.4%). Neurodevelopmental assessment was performed by pediatricians and psychologists using Wisc-R, visual screening by Monoyer scale, hearing by audiometry realized by oto-rhinolaryngologists. RESULTS: There were 62 survivors (one child dead by sudden infant death syndrome). Fifty children evaluated at a mean age of 9.3 +/- 0.7 years and written data available for another eight. Twelve children presented with cerebral palsy. Risk factors were ultrasound abnormalities of parenchymal brain and male gender. In children without cerebral palsy, we observed 12 visual and two hearing impairment. Three were in special education, 32 were in an age-appropriate level, nine with one year below. Neonatal events were not associated with the Wisc-R results except for ultrasound abnormalities of parenchymal brain. Wisc-R was strongly correlated with familial economic and education level. CONCLUSION: School performances in non-handicapped children born before 32 weeks is satisfying. Intellectual performance is mainly correlated with familial economic and education level.