Association of intrauterine fetal growth retardation and learning deficits at age 9 to 11 years

218 high risk newborns were assessed at 1, 4, and 9-11 years of age. Fetal and newborn complications included 77 newborns with growth retardation. Learning deficits were identified in 77 of the 218 children. Children with learning deficits had lower full-scale IQ scores and behavioural problems of attention and anxiety. Both fetal growth retardation and the fathers occupation score were independently associated with these learning deficits. The conclusion of the authors is that fetal growth retardation and socio-economic status and behavioural characteristics of inattention and anxiety are associated with less favourable academic achievement at 9-11 years of age.