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Published on: November 20, 2015
[Neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm-born children (with extremely low, very low or low body
1Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of RF, Moscow, Russia.
Insights
Preterm-born children with low birth weight, including extremely low (ELBW), very low (VLBW), and low (LBW), show higher rates of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. These conditions, such as ADHD and autism, were more common in boys and inversely correlated with birth weight and gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Preterm birth is associated with increased risks for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Understanding the spectrum and incidence of these outcomes in relation to birth weight categories is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of neurological diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm children aged 5-8 years.
- To compare these incidences across birth weight groups: extremely low (ELBW), very low (VLBW), and low (LBW).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 122 preterm children (36 ELBW, 36 VLBW, 50 LBW) aged 5-8 years was assessed.
- Parental questionnaires and standardized diagnostic criteria (ICD-10, DSM-V) were used for evaluation.
- Neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders were systematically identified.
Main Results:
- Higher prevalence of developmental dyspraxia, motor tics, headaches, and enuresis in preterm children compared to general population rates.
- Increased incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and specific learning disabilities.
- Disorders were more frequent in boys (except tension-type headaches) and inversely correlated with gestational age and birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Preterm children, particularly those with lower birth weights, exhibit a significant burden of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Despite early brain damage, preterm children demonstrate brain plasticity and reserve capacities.
- Early identification and targeted interventions are essential for improving long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Aim:
To evaluate the incidence of neurological diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm-born children, aged 5-8 years, with extremely low (ELBW), very low (VLBW) or low body weight (LBW) at birth.
Material And Methods:
One hundred and twenty-two preterm-born children, including 36 born with ELBW, 36 born with VLBW and 50 born with LBW, were examined in the age from 5 years 0 months to 8 years 0 months. Presenting complaints were assessed by means of the structured parents' questionnaire. Diagnosis of the nervous system diseases was based on the criteria of ICD-10 and DSM-V.
Results And Conclusion:
Based on the assessment results, there was no any neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder in 8.3% (n=3) of children with ELBW, 16.7% (n=6) with VLBW, 22.0% (n=11) with LBW at birth. Compared to the general pediatric population, more preterm-born children with ELBW, VLBW or LBW, aged 5-8 years, had developmental dyspraxia, chronic motor tics, tension type headaches and enuresis. Moreover, the higher incidence was found for neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, specific learning disabilities, compared with population rates. All conditions were more prevalent in boys than in girls, with the exception of tension type headaches. The frequency of disorders was inversely correlated with gestational age and body weight. However, the results demonstrate reserve capacities of the developing brain in children born preterm and suffered early brain damage.
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