RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WEIGHT AND BODY PROPORTIONALITY AT BIRTH, GROWTH DURING THE 1ST YEAR OF LIFE, AND COGNITIVE-DEVELOPMENT AT 36, 48, AND 60 MONTHS

This study evaluates the relation between Type I (symmetrical) intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and subsequent growth patterns during the first year of life and cognitive development in a group of children at 36, 48, and 60 months of life. Growth parameters of normal-birthweight children were compared to those of low-birthweight children having symmetrical growth (adequate ponderal index) in relation to cognitive outcome measures. Only at 36 months did IUGR show an independent association with verbal cognitive abilities. At 36 and 48 months, an interaction between IUGR and growth during the first year of life was associated with performance on measures of short-term memory. At 60 months, the effects of IUGR are not evident; however, estimates of low statistical power may also explain the absence of differences at this age.