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A Follow-Up Study of Cognitive Development in Low Risk Preterm Children
Miguel Pérez-Pereira1, María Pilar Fernández2, María Luisa Gómez-Taibo2
1Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Summary
Cognitive development trajectories for full-term and preterm children were similar across different gestational ages (GA). Early cognitive results and working memory, not GA, predicted later development in healthy preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Preterm birth can impact neurodevelopment, but outcomes vary.
- Understanding cognitive development trajectories in preterm infants is crucial.
- Identifying predictors of cognitive development is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive development in full-term versus preterm infants across different gestational ages (GA).
- To identify biomedical, environmental, and individual factors predicting cognitive development at 22 and 60 months.
- To determine if gestational age predicts cognitive outcomes in preterm children.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 181 participants (1 full-term group, 3 preterm groups) categorized by gestational age.
- Cognitive development assessed using the Batelle scale at 22 and 60 months.
- Repeated measures ANOVA and linear regression analyses employed to examine group differences and predictive factors.
Main Results:
- Cognitive trajectories were similar across all gestational age groups.
- Biological factors and home environment quality moderately influenced cognitive development at 22 months.
- Cognitive performance at 22 months and working memory were significant predictors of cognitive development at 60 months; GA was not a predictor.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age does not predict cognitive development in this cohort.
- Healthy preterm children do not necessarily experience cognitive delay.
- Early cognitive assessment and environmental factors are key to understanding long-term cognitive outcomes.
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