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

J Perapoch1, R Vidal2,3,4,5, A Gómez-Lumbreras6

  • 1Pediatric Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.

Journal of Attention Disorders
|August 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Premature birth is linked to a higher risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Even late preterm infants (35-36 weeks gestational age) show an increased risk, highlighting the need for mental health awareness.

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.

Keywords:
attention deficit disorder with hyperactivitychildprematurepsychotropic drugs

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