Prematurity and ADHD in Childhood: An Observational Register-Based Study in Catalonia

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Prematurity is a significant concern in neonatal care.
• Understanding the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants is crucial.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between gestational age at birth and the subsequent development of ADHD.
• To quantify the risk of ADHD in relation to different degrees of prematurity.

Main Methods:

• An observational, matched cohort study design was employed.
• Data were sourced from a tertiary hospital and a primary care research database in Catalonia, Spain (1995-2007).
• Gestational week (gw) was used to define prematurity, and ADHD diagnoses were tracked.

Main Results:

• ADHD prevalence increased significantly with lower gestational age, with 12.7% of infants born at or before 28 gw diagnosed with ADHD, compared to 3.2% born after 37 gw.
• A dose-response relationship was observed, with increasing risk of ADHD as gestational age decreased.
• Even late preterm infants (35-36 gw) had a higher risk (HR = 1.70) compared to term infants.

Conclusions:

• Preterm birth is a risk factor for developing ADHD in childhood.
• The association between prematurity and ADHD extends to late preterm infants.
• Increased vigilance regarding the mental health of preterm infants, including those born late preterm, is warranted.