Longitudinal study of behaviour disorders in low birthweight infants.

A cohort study of a geographically defined population of survivors of < 1500 g birthweight born in 1980 and 1981 and age-, sex-, and school-matched controls. The aim was to compare the prevalence of childhood and adolescent behavioural problems. Rutter and Conners questionnaires, completed by parents and teachers at age 8 and 14 years were assessed.

From an initial 40 321 births, there were 399 of birthweight < 1500 g, of whom 219 survived to age 8 years. Forty-two were excluded because of clinical disability. 167 cases were compared with matched controls. At age 14, both parent and teacher questionnaires showed an increased prevalence of behavioural problems in cases compared with controls. Pervasive behavioural problems (parents’ and teachers’ responses concordant) were present in 9% of cases and 3% of controls.