Neurodevelopmental abnormalities in preschool children with high perinatal risk. Prognostic value and consequences on education at 8 years of age.
Two groups of 41 children with high perinatal risk were studied. All children of the study group (SG) had neurodevelopmental abnormalities (NDA) at the age of 5 years, without major handicap. The control group (CG) consisted of 41 children matched for sex, neonatal pathology, birthweight, gestational age and socioeconomic status, without NDA at 5 years. In the SG 85.4% of the children had persistent NDA at school age. In the CG 36.6% of the children presented NDA, but less severe than those of the SG. The SG children had more often associated NDA than those of the CG. The outcome of NDA diagnosed at preschool age and the results of psychometric tests are described. Associated NDA or a borderline IQ, with emotional and behavioral problems, have a gloomy school prognosis. 46.3% of the children in the SG had major schooling problems and 12.2% of children in the CG. These results show the possibility to detect children at risk of school achievement problems before school entrance; they might be useful in counselling and preventing behavioral and educational difficulties.
D000124:Achievement; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors