The neuro-development abilities of very low-birth-weight children in Trinidad - abstract

ABSTRACT

In this study of neuro-development ability of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) Trindadian children, 33 randomly selected matched pairs of classmates who were either term or VLBW at birth were tested at age 68 to 88 months using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. Index and control children showed no difference in gender, ethnicity or growth retardation. The 1-minute Apgar score was significantly lower in the index children (6.5[SD1.0] vs 7.7[1.2], p<0.01. The results show that the index children had significantly lower scores in perpetual performance, quantitative, motor and GCI sub-tests and these differences may be a reflection of the method of teaching primary schools or child rearing practices in Trinidad or the test being inappropriate for our population. It is planned to reassess the study children at 9 years of age. (AU)