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Maternal signs of chorioamnionitis: persistent cognitive impairment in low-birthweight children

Lene B Versland1, Kristian Sommerfelt, Irene Elgen

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Maternal chorioamnionitis (CA) is linked to lower cognitive function in low-birthweight (LBW) children. This study found lasting impacts on intelligence even without major disabilities like cerebral palsy.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Chorioamnionitis (CA) is an infection of the fetal membranes.
  • CA is a known risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes, including cerebral palsy.
  • The long-term cognitive effects of CA in low-birthweight (LBW) children without major handicaps are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal chorioamnionitis (CA) and long-term cognitive impairment.
  • To assess cognitive function in low-birthweight (LBW) children at 11 years of age.
  • To determine if CA impacts cognitive development even in the absence of major handicaps.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based, long-term follow-up study involving 130 LBW children (birthweight < 2,000g) without major handicaps.
  • Comparison of 13 children with maternal signs of clinical CA against 117 LBW children without CA.
  • Cognitive intelligence assessed using the Norwegian version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children -- Revised.

Main Results:

  • LBW children with maternal CA signs showed significantly lower mean performance IQ (89, SD 13) compared to those without CA (98, SD 16) at 11 years.
  • The difference in mean IQ was 10 points, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.4 to 19 (p=0.04).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal chorioamnionitis may negatively impact fetal brain development.
  • CA is associated with lasting cognitive impairments in LBW children.
  • These cognitive deficits can occur even when major handicaps like cerebral palsy are absent.
Abstract

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