Longitudinal follow-up of children born preterm: neurodevelopment from 2 to 10 years of age

Jansen, L.; Peeters-Scholte, C.M.P.C.D.; Berg-Huysmans, A.A. van den; Klink, J.M.M. van; Rijken, M.; Egmond-van Dam, J.C. van; Vermeiren, R.R.J.M.; Steggerda, S.J.

doi:doi:10.3389/fped.2021.674221

Objective: To investigate the rate and stability of impairments in children born preterm by assessing (1) early and school-age outcome in four developmental domains and (2) individual changes in outcome at both timepoints. Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study in children born in 2006-2007, <32 weeks' gestation. Follow-up at 2 and 10 years of age included standardized neurological, motor, cognitive and behavioral assessments. Children were categorized as having no, mild or moderate-severe impairment in these four domains. A composite impairment score was composed and the number of domains with impairments counted. For each child, individual outcomes at both timepoints were compared. Results: Follow-up at both time-points was available in 71/113(63%) children. At group level, there were no significant changes in the severity of impairments per domain. However, at individual level, there were less children with a mild abnormal composite score at 10 years of age (44 vs. 20%; p...Show moreObjective: To investigate the rate and stability of impairments in children born preterm by assessing (1) early and school-age outcome in four developmental domains and (2) individual changes in outcome at both timepoints. Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study in children born in 2006-2007, <32 weeks' gestation. Follow-up at 2 and 10 years of age included standardized neurological, motor, cognitive and behavioral assessments. Children were categorized as having no, mild or moderate-severe impairment in these four domains. A composite impairment score was composed and the number of domains with impairments counted. For each child, individual outcomes at both timepoints were compared. Results: Follow-up at both time-points was available in 71/113(63%) children. At group level, there were no significant changes in the severity of impairments per domain. However, at individual level, there were less children with a mild abnormal composite score at 10 years of age (44 vs. 20%; p = 0.006), and more with a moderate-severe abnormal composite score (12 vs. 35%; p = 0.001). Especially children with normal/mild outcome at 2 years were likely to shift to other outcome categories over time. Conclusions: Children with early severe impairment are likely experiencing impairments later on, but early normal/mild abnormal outcomes should be interpreted with care, considering the large individual shifts over time. Long-term follow-up in all children born very preterm should therefore be continued to at least school-age.Show less

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Longitudinal follow-up of children born preterm: neurodevelopment from 2 to 10 years of age