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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
90.5K
Individual cognitive patterns and developmental trajectories after preterm birth
Johanna Stålnacke1, Aiko Lundequist, Birgitta Böhm
1a Department of Psychology , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden.
Summary
Cognitive development in preterm-born individuals shows varied patterns, with early cognitive ability predicting later outcomes. Early assessment is crucial for identifying those needing ongoing developmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cognitive outcomes in preterm-born individuals are diverse, often masked by group analyses.
- A person-oriented approach is needed to understand individual developmental trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate individual cognitive patterns and developmental trajectories in preterm-born adolescents from preschool to late adolescence.
- To identify distinct cognitive profiles and track changes over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 118 preterm adolescents (birth weight < 1,500 g).
- Neuropsychological assessments at 5.5 and 18 years, measuring general ability and executive functions.
- Cluster analyses to identify cognitive patterns and track individual changes.
Main Results:
- Six distinct and stable cognitive patterns were identified at both 5.5 and 18 years.
- Early cognitive ability at 5.5 years strongly predicted cognitive ability at 18 years.
- Individuals with low early scores deteriorated, while those with high early scores improved; those with average scores showed mixed outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive trajectories in preterm-born individuals are heterogeneous and predictable from early childhood.
- Early cognitive assessment is vital for identifying individuals requiring developmental monitoring.
- Perinatal factors were not strongly linked to cognitive outcomes, emphasizing the need for cognitive follow-up.
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