engleski

Language Development in Preschool Children Born After Asymmetrical Intrauterine Growth Retardation and Impact of Head Growth

Aim: The aim of this study was the assessment of language development and impact of postnatal head growth in preschool children born at term, after asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: Examinees were born at term with birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age, parity and gender. Mean age at the time of study was six years, four months. The control group was matched according to chronological and gestational age, gender and maternal education, mean age six years, five months. Exclusion criteria were congenital infections, major malformations, central nervous system infections, chromosomopathies, severe asphyxia and the presence of recognisable genetic syndromes. There were 50 children in each group. For the assessment of language development Reynell Developmental Language Scale, the Naming test and Mottier test were performed. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in language comprehension, total expressive language (vocabulary, structure, content), naming skills and nonwords repetition. Relative growth of the head in relation to weight gain was positively correlated to language outcome. Children with neonatal complications (60% of IUGR group) had lower results (p<0.05) in language comprehension and total expressive language. IUGR children with current head circumference below or on the 10th centile had poorer outcome in naming, language structure and articulation. Conclusion: IUGR has a negative impact on language development evident in preschool years. Slow postnatal head growth is correlated with lower language outcome. Neonatal complications were negatively correlated with language comprehension and total expressive language.

Language ; children ; IUGR

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