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Intellectual Development in Mexican Preterm Children at Risk of Perinatal Brain Damage: A Longitudinal Study

Cynthia Torres-González1, Josefina Ricardo-Garcell2, Daniel Alvarez-Núñez3

  • 1Faculty of Administrative, Social, and Engineering Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, State Hwy No. 3, Guadalupe Victoria, Mexicali 21720, Baja California, Mexico.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth can impact cognitive development. Preterm children showed lower intelligence scores and working memory challenges compared to full-term peers during a longitudinal study.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Preterm birth affects 10% of global births, with nearly 20% of developmental disabilities linked to early-stage risks.
  • Perinatal brain damage is a significant concern, necessitating research into its long-term effects on cognitive function.
  • Understanding neurocognitive development in premature infants is crucial for early identification and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate longitudinal changes in intelligence from ages 6 to 8 in preterm children at risk for brain damage.
  • To compare cognitive abilities between preterm children and a control group of full-term children.
  • To identify specific cognitive domains affected by prematurity and age.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study design tracking intelligence from 6 to 8 years of age.
  • Sample included 39 preterm children and 35 full-term controls.
  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) used to assess cognitive ability at ages 6, 7, and 8.

Main Results:

  • Preterm children consistently scored significantly lower on intelligence measures than the control group.
  • Working memory was significantly affected by the interaction between age and prematurity.
  • Cognitive development trajectories differed between preterm and full-term groups.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth is associated with sustained lower intelligence scores and specific working memory deficits.
  • Early neurocognitive assessment is vital for predicting and managing cognitive alterations in premature infants.
  • Evidence-based intervention strategies, informed by research and clinical expertise, are essential for supporting preterm children's development.

Keywords:
intellectual developmentperinatal risk factor for brain damagepreterm birthworking memory

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