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Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Executive function and behaviour problems in school-age children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia

Darren W T Dai1, Nike Franke1, Christopher J D McKinlay1,2

  • 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|February 1, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal hypoglycemia may impact mid-childhood executive functions and behavior. Children experiencing severe or recurrent hypoglycemia showed increased risks for metacognition difficulties and conduct problems.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Health Research

Background:

  • Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common complication in newborns.
  • Potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects require further investigation.
  • Executive function and behavior are critical for mid-childhood development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between neonatal hypoglycemia and executive function in mid-childhood.
  • To explore the relationship between neonatal hypoglycemia and behavioral outcomes in children aged 9-10 years.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of infants at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia.
  • Executive function assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Tests Automated Battery (CANTAB) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF).
  • Behavior problems evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in performance-based executive function between children with and without neonatal hypoglycemia.
  • Children with hypoglycemia, particularly severe or recurrent cases, had higher risks of parent-reported metacognition difficulties.
  • Increased risk of parent-reported peer problems and teacher-reported conduct problems observed in children with hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal hypoglycemia may be linked to specific parent-reported executive function deficits in mid-childhood.
  • Behavioral issues, including peer and conduct problems, are associated with neonatal hypoglycemia.
  • Executive function, both performance- and questionnaire-based, correlates with behavioral problems in children.
Abstract

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