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Biological and environmental predictors of behavioral sequelae in children born preterm

Amy L Conrad1, Lynn Richman, Scott Lindgren

  • 1Department of Psychiatry Research, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. amy-l-conrad@uiowa.edu

Pediatrics
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Children born preterm, especially extremely low (ELBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, show more behavioral issues like hyperactivity and anxiety. Birth weight is the strongest predictor of these outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Preterm birth is associated with potential long-term neurodevelopmental challenges.
  • Children born with extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) and very low birth weight (VLBW; 1000-1499 g) face unique risks.
  • Understanding behavioral outcomes in relation to birth weight and other factors is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare behavioral outcomes in children born preterm (ELBW and VLBW) versus those born at term.
  • To assess the influence of birth weight, socioeconomic status, and cognitive ability on behavioral outcomes.
  • To identify key predictors of behavioral sequelae in preterm-born children.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 104 children (aged 7-16 years) including 49 preterm and 55 term-born controls was studied.
  • Cognitive ability was assessed via standardized tests; behavioral assessments were completed by parents and teachers.
  • Multivariate analyses and hierarchical linear regressions examined group differences and predictor relationships.

Main Results:

  • Children born at term reported significantly fewer symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention and depression/anxiety compared to ELBW and VLBW groups.
  • Parental reports indicated birth weight as the strongest predictor of behavioral outcomes.
  • Teacher ratings did not reveal significant differences between groups; intelligence did not mediate the birth weight-behavior relationship.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth is linked to persistent negative behavioral outcomes in childhood and adolescence.
  • The interplay of factors influencing neurobehavioral outcomes in preterm infants is complex.
  • Further research integrating neuroimaging is necessary to improve understanding and outcomes for preterm children.
Abstract

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