Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Abilities of Preterm Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Divya Agarwal, Nutan Kamath, Sowmini Padmanabh Kamath

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth predisposes the developing brain to dysfunctions in neurodevelopment and cognition. Associated prenatal, intranatal, and postnatal risk factors influence outcomes in these high-risk neonates.

Aim: To assess neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities of preterm children at 7 to 9 years of age and to correlate them with matched term children and Hobel’s neonatal risk score

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 20 preterm (case group) and 20 term (control group) neonates who met the inclusion criteria and were in the age group of 7 to 9 years (when the study was conducted) were included. Neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities were assessed using the Bender Gestalt II test, Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children, and Gross Motor Functional Classification System. Based on Hobel’s neonatal risk scoring, the children were classified into a low-risk group (scores < 10) and a high-risk group (scores ≥ 10).

Results: The mean levels of Malin’s verbal, performance IQ, and total IQ test scores were significantly lower in preterm graduates than term controls (P value < .001) and significantly lower in children with Hobel’s neonatal risk scores ≥ 10 (P value < .001). Visual–motor perception skills and memory levels were lower in preterm graduates.

Conclusion: At follow-up, the cognitive functions and visual–motor perception skills of preterm children were lower compared with that in term controls. Children with Hobel’s neonatal high-risk scores had poor cognitive outcomes in comparison to those with low-risk scores.