Primal Health Databank: Study
| Entry No: | 0089 |
| Title: | Birth weight and cognitive function in young adult life: historical cohort study |
| Author(s): | Sorensen HT, Sabroe S, et al. |
| Reference: | BMJ 1997; 315: 401-04 |
| Place of Study: | Denmark |
| Abstract: | The objective of this retrospective study is to examine the relation between birth weight and cognitive function in young adult life. The study is based on birth registry data and cognitive function measured during evaluation for military service. 4,300 Danish conscripts born between 1973 and 1975 were involved. Scores in the Boerge Prien test of cognitive function and the IQ were measured. Mean score in the Boerge Prien test increased from 39.9 at a birth weight of less than 2500g to 44.6 at a birth weight of 4200g. Above a birth weight of 4200g the test score decreased slightly. This study concludes that birth weight is associated with cognitive performance in young adult life. |
| Keyword(s): | birth weight, cognitive development, intellectual development |
| Discussion: | The authors of the study claim that the results were not influenced after adjustment for parity. But in their table they do not disassociate parity of zero and one that is to say birth order one and two, (it would be more relevant to consider birth order rather than parity). It is contradictory that cognitive function is not influenced by parity but is influenced by birth weight since birth order is the best known single factor influencing birth weight. For example according to a British calculation the average difference in birth weight between first born and second born children is 138 grams. (see Odent M., Tsujino J., Studies exploring health in relation to intrauterine life should look at birth order, BMJ 1997; 314:1416) |
| See Also: | No related entries mentioned for this entry |
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