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Risk factors for cognitive impairment in school-age children born preterm: application of a hierarchical model

Maura Calixto Cecherelli de Rodrigues1, Rosane Reis de Mello, Kátia Silveira da Silva

  • 1Doutora em Ciências pela Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ). Médica Pediatra coordenadora do Núcleo de Atenção Interdisciplinar ao Recém-nascido de Risco da Maternidade Leila Diniz-Hospital Municipal Lourenço Jorge, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil.

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|August 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Maternal education and prenatal visits protect very low birth weight (VLBW) children from cognitive impairment. Female VLBW children also showed better cognitive performance at age eight.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Preterm birth and very low birth weight (VLBW) are associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment.
  • Understanding factors influencing cognitive development in VLBW children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze socioeconomic, perinatal, neonatal, post-neonatal, and child-specific factors associated with cognitive impairment in VLBW children.
  • To identify protective and risk factors for cognitive outcomes at age eight in a VLBW cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 65 VLBW children assessed at age eight.
  • Cognitive function evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.
  • Multivariate hierarchical logistic regression analysis to model variable relationships.

Main Results:

  • Higher maternal education (OR=0.77) and increased number of prenatal visits (OR=0.73) demonstrated a protective association against cognitive impairment.
  • Male gender was associated with worse cognitive outcomes (OR=7.3) in VLBW children.
  • Cognitive performance at age eight was positively influenced by maternal education, prenatal care, and female gender.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal education and quality prenatal care are significant protective factors for cognitive development in VLBW children.
  • Female VLBW infants may have a cognitive advantage over males at age eight.
  • Targeted support for VLBW children, considering maternal and prenatal factors, can improve long-term cognitive outcomes.

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