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Infant Growth after Preterm Birth and Mental Health in Young Adulthood

Sara Sammallahti1, Marius Lahti2, Riikka Pyhälä2

  • 1Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Plos One
|September 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Faster infant growth in very low birth weight (VLBW) survivors does not appear to improve long-term mental health. This study found no association between early growth and later self-reported depression or ADHD symptoms in young adults.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal research
  • Developmental psychology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Faster infant growth post-preterm birth is linked to better cognitive outcomes.
  • The impact of early growth on mental health in very low birth weight (VLBW) individuals is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between infant growth and self-reported mental health in young adults born preterm with VLBW (< 1500 g).

Main Methods:

  • Young adults (n=157) born VLBW completed self-report questionnaires for depression, ADHD, and other psychiatric symptoms.
  • Infant anthropometrics (weight, length, head circumference) at birth, term, and 12 months corrected age, along with growth rates, were analyzed as predictors.
  • Linear regression models assessed associations, with moderation by intrauterine growth restriction also examined.

Main Results:

  • No significant associations were found between infant size or growth and mental health outcomes in young adulthood (p > 0.05).
  • Intrauterine growth restriction did not significantly moderate the relationship between early growth and mental health.

Conclusions:

  • Early infant growth in VLBW survivors is not associated with later depression, ADHD, or other psychiatric symptoms.
  • This suggests that critical developmental periods for cognitive and psychiatric issues may differ in VLBW infants.
Abstract

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