Growth Patterns in Children With Intrauterine Growth Retardation and Their Correlation to Neurocognitive Development

The relationship between somatic growth and neurocognitive outcome was studied in a cohort of 136 children with intrauterine growth retardation. The children were followed Lip from birth to 9 to 10 years of age by annual measurements of growth parameters, neurodevelopmental evaluations, and IQ. The rate Of catch-up for height between I and 2 years of age was significantly higher than the catch-up for weight (P < .001). The cognitive outcome at 9 to 10 years correlated with head circumference at all ages. The neurodevelopmental Outcome at 9 to 10 years correlated with weight at all ages. Correlation with head circumference was more significant with IQ, while with weight it was stronger with the neurodevelopmental score. Height at I year was a significant predictor for IQ and neurodevelopmental outcome at 9 to 10 years. These findings are of distinct importance for prediction of Subsequent neurodevelopmental outcome in children with intrauterine growth retardation.