1225 Preterm Born Preschoolers’ Disabilities in Daily Activities

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood Vol. 97; no. Suppl 2; p. A350
• Main Authors: Verkerk, G, Jeukens-Visser, M, Wassenaer-Leemhuis, A van, Koldewijn, K, Kok, J, Nollet, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 01.10.2012; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Body Weight; Cerebral Palsy; Preschool children; Regression (Statistics)
• ISSN: 0003-9888; 1468-2044
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-302724.1225

Aims Do very low birth weight (VLBW) preschoolers without Cerebral Palsy (CP) have disabilities in daily activities and what are risk factors for these disabilities? Methods Disability in daily activities was assessed with the Dutch Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-NL) in 143 VLBW children, at 44 months corrected age (CA). Children with CP are known to have disabilities and were therefore excluded. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for disabilities in daily activities. Perinatal and socio-demographic factors, a low (< 1SD) Psychomotor- Developmental Index (PDI) and low (< 1SD) Mental Developmental Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID II) at 24 months CA were considered as potential risk factors and included in the analyses. Results One or more disabilities were found in 27 VLBW children (19%). The highest frequencies were found in mobility (19 (13%) children) and in social functioning (12 (8%) children). Logistic regression analyses detected a low PDI and a low MDI as risk factors for disability in mobility; R-square 0.211. For disability in social functioning, a low MDI and being first born were detected as risk factors: R-square 285. Conclusions At school entry, one in five VLBW children does have a disability in daily activities especially in mobility and social functioning which may reduce participation with their peers. However, prediction of the disabilities by risk factors is limited. Therefore, adding the PEDI to follow up assessments may enable adequate referral for intervention focussing on participation.