title: A non-handicapped cohort of low-birthweight children: growth and general health status at 11 years of age.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe and compare physical growth, current health status, functional limitations and neurodevelopmental impairments (defined as low IQ, school problems or psychiatric disorder) at 11 y of age in a population of non-handicapped low-birthweight (LBW) children with that of normal-birthweight (NBW) children.
  
  
  METHODS
  A population-based sample of 130 LBW children (weighing less than 2000 g at birth) without major handicaps, and a random sample of 131 NBW children born at term. Somatic and mental health and cognitive abilities were assessed through questionnaires to parents, a physical examination, standardized tests of cognitive function (WISC-R) and a semi-structured interview (Children Assessment Schedule).
  
  
  RESULTS
  General somatic health status was similar for the LBW and NBW children. The LBW children were shorter (mean difference -2.5 cm; 95% CI -0.9 to -4.2) and had a smaller head circumference (mean difference -0.8 cm; 95% CI -0.4 to -1.1) but similar weights and body mass indices. Differences and similarities in anthropometric measures were the same at 5 and 11 y of age. The LBW children had higher systolic (mean difference 3.2 mmHg; 95% CI -0.6 to -0.3) but similar diastolic blood pressure. A higher proportion of LBW children had decreased visual acuity and hearing impairment. Forty per cent of LBW children had neurodevelopmental impairments, compared to 20% of NBW children (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 4.5).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At 11 y of age, survivors of moderately low birthweight without major handicaps may have generally good health, but are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. irene.elgen@helse-bergen.no
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Elgen
authors.forename: Kjell A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: Trond
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Markestad
authors.forename: Kristian
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sommerfelt
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009460:Neurologic Examination