very low birth weight

very low birth weight

VLBW Neonatology Referring to an infant weighing between 1000 g and 1500 g at birth; these children are at high risk for neurobehavioral dysfunction, poor school performance. See Low birth weight. Cf Extremely low birth weight.

Very Low Birth Weight infants–outcomes

Birthweight  ≤ 750 g  750-1.5 g  ≥ 1.5 Kg

Sample number  68 65 61

MPC score*  87 93 100

Mental retardation (IQ < 70) 21% 8% 2%

Poor cognitive function 22% 9% 2%

Poor academic skills 27% 9% 2%

Poor gross motor function  27% 9% 0%

Poor adaptive function  25% 14% 2%

Cerebral palsy 9% 6% 0%

Severe visual disability 25% 5% 2%

Hearing disability  24% 13% 3%

↓ Weight/height/head size 22/25/35% 11/5/14% 0/0/2%%

*Mental Processing Composite score