Perinatal and postnatal factors in very preterm infants and subsequent cognitive and motor abilities

Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2005 Jan;90(1):F60-3. doi: 10.1136/adc.2004.059188.

Abstract

Background: Many children born very preterm have cognitive and minor motor problems later, even if attending mainstream schools.

Objective: To examine associations between this suboptimal performance and perinatal and postnatal clinical factors.

Participants and methods: A geographically determined cohort of 280 infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation in 1991-92 in Liverpool, free of major disability and attending mainstream school at 7 years of age. A perinatal and postnatal data set were obtained from the clinical records retrospectively. Measurements of height, weight, and head circumference at 7 years were made, together with assessments of intelligence (Wechsler intelligence scale for children, IQ) and motor impairment (Movement assessment battery for children, MABC).

Results: Multiple regression analysis showed IQ at 7 years to be independently significantly related to gestation, persistence of the arterial duct (PDA), and head circumference at 7 years. MABC was only significantly related to gestation. PDA was related to periventricular haemorrhage (OR 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 5.8) and parenchymal lesions including ventriculomegaly (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 11.4).

Conclusion: Cognitive ability in children born preterm is significantly related to gestation, but may also be related to the effects of PDA on early brain development, through either periventricular haemorrhage/ventriculomegaly or other disturbance of early brain growth.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry
  • Cephalometry
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / psychology
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology*
  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / psychology
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature* / psychology
  • Intelligence*
  • Male
  • Motor Skills*
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors