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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neuropsychological outcomes of children born very preterm
1Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Insights
Children born very preterm (VP) face significant cognitive impairments, despite decreased mortality rates. Ongoing monitoring is crucial for these individuals throughout childhood to address potential learning difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infants born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks gestation) are at high risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Previous research highlights cognitive functioning as a key area of concern for VP survivors.
- Methodological variability in existing studies impacts the generalizability of findings on VP cognitive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the nature, frequency, and severity of cognitive difficulties in children born very preterm.
- To discuss the evidence for generalized versus selective cognitive impairments in this population.
- To emphasize the continued need for monitoring VP children due to persistent cognitive risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes in very preterm children.
- Analysis of the breadth and characteristics of reported cognitive deficits.
- Discussion of methodological considerations and generalizability of previous research.
Main Results:
- Very preterm children exhibit a wide range of cognitive difficulties.
- The pattern of deficits suggests a generalized cognitive impairment, though selective deficits are also considered.
- Despite improvements in neonatal care, significant cognitive risks persist.
Conclusions:
- Very preterm birth remains a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment throughout childhood.
- Neonatal morbidity and mortality rates have declined, but cognitive sequelae require continued attention.
- Close monitoring and early intervention are essential for children born very preterm to mitigate long-term cognitive challenges.
Abstract:
Considerable research has investigated the consequences of being born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks of gestation), especially in relation to cognitive functioning. While numerous cognitive and neuropsychological outcome studies have been published, it is important to consider methodological issues when reviewing this research, as the generalizability of the studies varies greatly. This article describes the nature of cognitive difficulties confronting VP children, both in terms of the frequency and severity of deficits. The breadth of cognitive difficulties reported in this population implies a generalized cognitive impairment; however, the presence of selective or primary cognitive deficits is discussed. It is concluded that whereas mortality and neonatal morbidity rates have decreased significantly in VP infants in recent decades, these children continue to be at significant risk for cognitive impairments and need to be closely monitored throughout childhood.
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