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Executive functioning in low birth weight children entering kindergarten

S E Miller1,2, M D DeBoer2,3, R J Scharf2,4

  • 1Division of Neonatology, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, VA, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|October 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Higher birthweight in children is linked to better executive functioning, including working memory and cognitive flexibility. Low birthweight infants face increased risks for executive dysfunction, highlighting the importance of monitoring development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Neurodevelopment
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Poor executive functioning can lead to lifelong challenges.
  • Early identification of executive dysfunction is crucial for intervention and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between birthweight and executive functioning in U.S. kindergarteners.
  • To test the hypothesis that higher birthweight correlates with better executive function scores.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 17,506 U.S. children in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten 2011 cohort.
  • Assessed executive functions (working memory, cognitive flexibility) via direct testing (number reverse, card sort) and teacher evaluations.
  • Analyzed relationships using linear and logistical regressions in SAS, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Each kilogram increase in birthweight was associated with a 1.47-point increase in working memory (P<0.001) and a 0.28-point increase in cognitive flexibility (P<0.001).
  • Low birthweight infants were 1.5 times more likely to score in the lowest 20% for executive function.
  • These associations remained significant after adjusting for gender, gestational age, parental education, and family income.

Conclusions:

  • Infants born with low birthweight are at a higher risk for executive dysfunction.
  • Improved birthweight is associated with enhanced executive function scores, even within the normal birthweight range.
  • Further research on interventions and long-term school progression for this population is warranted.
Abstract

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