Motor difficulties and associated risk factors at 12 years in children born extremely preterm: a population-based cohort study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric neurology
• Developmental pediatrics
• Public health

Background:

• Extremely preterm (EPT) birth (<28 weeks' gestational age) is associated with increased risks of neurodevelopmental challenges.
• Motor difficulties can impact a child's overall development and quality of life.
• Long-term outcomes for EPT survivors require ongoing investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of significant motor difficulties in 12-year-old children born EPT compared to term-born controls.
• To identify risk factors and comorbidities associated with motor difficulties in EPT survivors.
• To inform follow-up strategies for EPT children.

Main Methods:

• Population-based cohort study of EPT and term-born children in Sweden (2004-2007 births).
• Motor function assessed at 12 years using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition (MABC-2).
• Logistic regression analysis to determine risk factors for motor difficulties.

Main Results:

• 30% of EPT-born children exhibited significant motor difficulties versus 3% of term-born peers (aOR 16.99).
• Male sex and lower gestational age were independent risk factors for motor difficulties in EPT children.
• Comorbidities like autism spectrum and ADHD were common; only 9.5% received physiotherapy.

Conclusions:

• EPT children, even without cerebral palsy or severe neurodevelopmental impairment, have a substantially higher risk of motor difficulties at age 12.
• Associated neurodevelopmental comorbidities are frequent in EPT children with motor challenges.
• Structured follow-up into mid-school age is essential for timely intervention in EPT survivors.