Association of birth factors with subsequent developmental disability: effectiveness in predicting severity as measured by the PEDI.

Objective: To determine if specific birth factors can be used to predict a subsequent disability and severity level in self-care, mobility and social function as measured by the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).

Design: This cross-sectional study design used retrospective data from birth records and concurrent data from PEDI scores.

Method: Sixty children (20 per group) were selected representing groups consistent with typical development, sensory processing disorders or physical disability. Mean age was 56 months; there were 32 males. Information extracted from birth records was compared to PEDI scores.

Results: Univariate ANOVA showed differences among groups for PEDI scores (p < 0.001) and birth factors (p < 0.001). A forward logistic regression analysis revealed gestational age and 5-minute Apgar scores as potential predictors of PEDI scores.

Conclusion: Findings indicated that two birth factors were related to later functional performance, but only in children with sensory processing deficits.