Analysis of neurodevelopmental outcomes of preadolescents born with extremely low weight revealed impairments in multiple developmental domains despite absence of cognitive impairment

Background and aimsChildren with extremely low‐birth weight (ELBW) have a high risk for cognitive, motor, and attention impairments and learning disabilities. Longitudinal follow‐up studies to a later age are needed in order to increase understanding of the changes in neurodevelopmental trajectories in targeting timely intervention. The aims of this study were to investigate cognitive and motor outcomes, attention‐deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) behaviour, school performance, and overall outcomes in a national cohort of ELBW children at preadolescence, and minor neuromotor impairments in a subpopulation of these children and to compare the results with those of full‐term controls. The additional aim was to report the overall outcome in all ELBW infants born at 22 to 26 gestational weeks.MethodsThis longitudinal prospective national cohort study included all surviving ELBW (birth weight ResultsOf 206 ELBW survivors 122 (73% of eligible) children and 30 (100%) full‐term control children participated in assessments. ELBW children had lower full‐scale intellectual quotient than controls (t‐test, 90 vs 112, P P = .021, r = .20) and needed more educational support (47% vs 17%, OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.6‐12.4, P = .02). In the subpopulation, the incidences of DCD were 30% in ELBW and 7% in control children (P = .012, OR 6.0 CI 1.3‐27.9), and complex MND 12.5% and 0%, (P = .052; RR 1.1 95% CI 1.04‐1.25), respectively. Of survivors born in 24 to 26 gestational weeks, 29% had normal outcome.ConclusionAs the majority of the extremely preterm born children had some problems, long‐term follow‐up is warranted to identify those with special needs and to design individual multidisciplinary support programs.