Retarded head growth and neurocognitive development in infants of mothers with a history of eating disorders: longitudinal cohort study

ObjectiveTo characterise early growth and neurocognitive development in children of mothers with a history of eating disorders (ED). DesignA longitudinal cohort study. SettingChild-care centres in Stockholm, Sweden. PopulationChildren born to mothers with previous ED (n=47) (24 anorexia nervosa, 20 bulimia nervosa, 3 unspecified ED), and controls (n=65). MethodsMean values and standard deviation scores of weight and height from birth to 5years of age and head circumference up to 18months of age were compared between groups. Neurocognitive development was studied at the age of 5years by the validated parent questionnaire Five to Fifteen. Main outcome measuresHead growth and neurocognitive development. ResultsWe previously reported that mothers with a history of ED conceived infants with lower birthweight and head circumference than controls. At 3months of age, body mass index (BMI) was no longer reduced but mean head circumferences of the children born to mothers with ED were smaller throughout the observation period. Similarly, the longitudinal results of the standard deviation scores of head circumference showed a significant overall group effect with lower levels in both subgroups of ED (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa). The children of the ED mothers also had significantly higher Five to Fifteen scores than controls, reflecting difficulties in language skills. Head circumference at birth correlated with language skills in the children of mothers with ED. ConclusionChildren of mothers with previous ED demonstrated an early catch-up in BMI, but the average head circumference continued to be delayed until at least 18months of age. The reduced head growth was related to delayed neurocognitive development.