Study of Developmental Delay and Its Related Factors in Low Birth Weight Infants

Background: Advances in medical science and success in increasing the survival rate of vulnerable infants have raised the future evolution issues of these children. Developmental and behavioral disorders are the most common problem in children after discharge from NICU. A lot of factors are involved in the occurrence of developmental disorders. Objectives: According to the importance of the subject and lack of accurate regional information, this study aimed to investigate the developmental disorders and related factors in low weight infants. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 76, 4 - 12 month-old infants with a history of hospitalization in NICU of Shiraz Hazrat Zeinab Hospital with an average weight of 1800 grams. These infants were evaluated developmentally by ASQ (Age and stage questionnaire). The data was analyzed by statistical tests. Results: Using ASQ, 17% of children were detected as having developmental disorders. The percentages of developmental disorders for fine and gross motor domains, problem solving ability, communication and personal-social behaviors were 14.5%, 23.7%, 19.7%, 17.6% and 14.5%, respectively. The correlation coefficient statistical test did not show any significant relationship between developmental disorder with mechanical ventilation, duration of hospitalization, surfactant and betamethasone injection, and final diagnosis of diseases (r < 1). Conclusions: Although improvement in respiratory therapy, monitoring system, non-invasive procedures and developmental care have decreased neonatal mortality rate and prematurity complications, but we cannot find any relationship between related risk factors and neurological outcomes. Developmental delay of low birth weight infants must be detected and rehabilitation started soon after discharge from NICU.