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| Research article summary (published 30 May 2009): |
The influence of birth size on intelligence in healthy children.
Full Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Birth parameters have been hypothesized to have an influence on IQ. However, studies within the range of normal birth size have been sparse. With this study we examined the associations between birth length, birth weight, head circumference, and gestational age within the normal birth size range in relation to childhood IQ in Asian children. METHODS: A cohort of 1979 of 2913 Asian children aged 7 to 9 years, recruited from 3 schools in Singapore, were followed yearly from 1999 onward. Birth parameters were recorded by health personnel. Childhood IQ was measured with the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices at ages 8 to 12. RESULTS: The mean IQ score across the sample (n = 1645) was 114.2. After controlling for multiple confounders for every 1-cm increment in birth length, 1 kg in birth weight, or 1 cm in head circumference, there was a corresponding increase in IQ of 0.49 points (P for trend < .001), 2.19 points (P for trend = .007) and .62 points (P for trend = .003), respectively. These associations persisted even after exclusion of premature children and children with extreme weights and head circumferences. CONCLUSIONS: Longer birth length, higher birth weight, or larger head circumferences within the normal birth size range are associated with higher IQ scores in Asian children. Our results suggest that antenatal factors reflected in altered rates of growth but within the normative range of pregnancy experiences play a role in generating cognitive potential. This has implications for targeting early intervention and preventative programs.
Author information
Author/s: Broekman, Birit F P (BF); Chan, Yiong-Huak (YH); Chong, Yap-Seng (YS); Quek, Swee-Chye (SC); Fung, Daniel (D); Low, Yen-Ling (YL); Ooi, Yoon-Phaik (YP); Gluckman, Peter D (PD); Meaney, Michael J (MJ); Wong, Tien-Yin (TY); Saw, Seang-Mei (SM);
Affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore/National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal: Pediatrics (Pediatrics), published in United States. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2009-Jun; vol 123 (issue 6) : pp e1011-6
Dates: Created 2009/06/01; Completed 2009/06/17;
PMID: 19482733, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 6/17/2009, IMS Date: 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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