Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
08:58

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs

Published on: October 31, 2025

558

Neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants

Arend F Bos1, Elise Roze

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. a.f.bos@bkk.umcg.nl

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|September 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Preterm children show cognitive and motor score distributions shifted leftward compared to norms, indicating developmental delays. Brain lesions and gestational age did not influence these outcomes in this cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Preterm birth is associated with increased risks for neurodevelopmental impairments.
  • Understanding the specific cognitive and motor deficits in very preterm children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the distribution of cognitive and motor scores in very preterm children at school age.
  • To investigate the influence of brain lesions and decreasing gestational age on these outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • One hundred and six very preterm children (gestational age 24.0-31.6 wk) were assessed between 6 to 12 years.
  • Cognitive function was evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (IQ).
  • Motor outcome was assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement ABC).

Main Results:

  • Cognitive and motor scores were normally distributed but shifted leftward, indicating lower-than-average performance.
  • Mean total IQ was 0.60 SD below norm, with verbal and performance IQs also significantly lower.
  • Movement ABC z-scores were -1.27 SD below norm, indicating motor impairments.

Conclusions:

  • Very preterm children exhibit a leftward shift in cognitive and motor outcome distributions at school age.
  • The observed effect sizes suggest significant developmental disadvantages for preterm individuals.
  • No correlation was found between brain lesions or gestational age and the cognitive/motor scores in this study group.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

12.5K
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Published on: December 31, 2015

8.5K

Related Concept Videos

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs08:58

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs

This protocol describes the development of a neonatal piglet model of acute lung injury that models early pathogenic events occurring in the preterm lung, including sub-adequate surfactant quantity, hyperoxia, high-pressure ventilation, and inflammation, to facilitate understanding of molecular triggers of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and enhance therapeutic...
558
Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes05:13

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

As legislative restrictions change, resulting in increased accessibility of cannabinoid products, it is critically important to develop models to study the impact of these exposures, particularly during pregnancy. A preclinical model of moderate prenatal cannabinoid exposure through voluntary ingestion has been developed, enabling more in-depth...
615
Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit11:50

Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Creative music therapy for preterm infants and their parents has emerged as a promising family-integrated early intervention. We present a detailed protocol on how to use vocal interaction, humming, or singing to empower preterm infants and their...
27.5K
Isolation and Characterization of Human Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Preterm and Term Infants07:26

Isolation and Characterization of Human Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Preterm and Term Infants

Human umbilical cord (UC) can be obtained during the perinatal period as a result of preterm, term, and postterm delivery. In this protocol, we describe the isolation and characterization of UC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) from fetuses/infants at 19-40 weeks of...
15.0K
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

This manuscript describes the Research Prioritization by Affected Communities (RPAC) protocol and findings from its use with women at risk for preterm birth. Using the protocol, women identified and prioritized their unanswered questions about pregnancy, birth and neonatal care aimed at influencing research priority setting by funders and...
12.5K
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Microcirculatory imaging (MI) is used to monitor peripheral perfusion in critically ill or preterm neonates. This manuscript and video demonstrates the optimal approach for obtaining high-quality...
8.5K