Atypical sensory processing is common in extremely low gestational age children

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Sensory Processing

Background:

• Atypical sensory processing is prevalent in children born extremely prematurely.
• Understanding sensory processing in extremely low gestational age (ELGA) children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sensory processing abilities in ELGA children.
• To analyze associated neonatal risk factors, neuroanatomical findings, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 44 ELGA children.
• Brain MRI at term-equivalent age.
• Sensory processing assessed with Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile.
• Neurodevelopmental assessment using Hempel, Griffiths, and Bayley Scales.

Main Results:

• Half of ELGA children exhibited atypical sensory profiles (<-1 SD).
• Low registration was the most common pattern (23%).
• Sensation seeking correlated with brain MRI abnormalities (p < 0.01).
• Atypical oral sensory processing linked to PDA surgical closure (p = 0.02, adjusted p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Atypical sensory processing is common in ELGA children.
• Neonatal neuroanatomical lesions are associated with specific sensory behavioral responses.
• Surgical closure of PDA may contribute to feeding problems via atypical oral sensory processing.