Preterm babies face higher risk of long-term learning and behavior challenges – A massive study published today in The BMJ found that babies born even slightly early (between 32-33 weeks) are more likely to have learning and behavior difficulties later in life. This applies to nearly 80% of all preterm births, making it a concern not to be ignored.
The study, which followed over one million children in Sweden for up to 16 years, showed that children born moderately or late preterm (32-36 weeks) had higher risks of:
- Motor impairments: difficulty with movement and coordination
- Cognitive impairments: problems with learning and thinking
- Epilepsy: seizures
- Hearing and visual impairments: trouble seeing or hearing
Compared to babies born at term (39-40 weeks), moderately preterm babies were almost five times more likely to have motor problems and nearly twice as likely to have epilepsy. This highlights the importance of not dismissing the potential difficulties these children may face, even if they weren’t born extremely early.
The study sheds light on a previously understudied area, focusing on long-term outcomes for moderately and late preterm children. Researchers followed children born between 1998 and 2012 until they were 16 years old, comparing their diagnoses of various neurodevelopmental impairments to those of full-term babies.
Overall, children born moderately or late preterm had a higher chance of developing any type of neurodevelopmental impairment, with the risk rising earlier in pregnancy and gradually declining closer to full term. Notably, children born at 32 weeks had nearly a five-fold higher risk of motor impairment compared to full-term babies.
While the study can’t definitively prove cause and effect, it provides substantial evidence for the link between preterm birth and long-term challenges. It also acknowledges limitations like potential under-reporting or misdiagnosis of impairments.
Despite these limitations, the study’s size and use of reliable national registries make its findings impactful. The researchers emphasize the importance of acknowledging these risks, as it can help healthcare professionals and families better assess, follow-up, and plan healthcare for moderately and late preterm children.
This study serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for increased support and monitoring for these children to help them reach their full potential. Recognizing the potential challenges earlier can make a world of difference in their development and quality of life.
Key Takeaways:
- Children born slightly early have higher risks of long-term neurodevelopmental issues.
- This applies to about 80% of all preterm births, making it a significant concern.
- The study provides valuable insights into long-term outcomes for moderately and late preterm children.
- The findings can help families and healthcare professionals better assess and support these children.
- Recognizing the potential challenges early is crucial for their development and well-being.
Some interventions to prevent neurodevelopmental issues in preterm babies
Several interventions have been studied to prevent neurodevelopmental issues in preterm babies. These interventions aim to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term impairments. Some of the interventions include:
Early Developmental Intervention Programs: These programs have been shown to improve cognitive performance in preterm infants up to 36 months of age. However, the effect on motor performance is less clear, with some evidence of improvement in infancy but not persisting until preschool or school age.
Antenatal Management: Antenatal interventions such as antenatal steroid use and magnesium sulfate have been studied to protect the preterm brain and decrease the risk of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment.
Parental Support and Training: High-quality parent-child transactions established early in the child’s life have been identified as a primary developmental mechanism for enhancing neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children.
Neuroprotective Therapies in the NICU: Various antenatal and postnatal treatment strategies, including antenatal steroid use, magnesium sulfate, and potential future agents, are being evaluated as interventions to protect the preterm brain and improve long-term neurological outcomes.
While these interventions show promise, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of preventive intervention programs for preterm children is an active area of research, and the impact of these interventions may vary in different contexts and populations.
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