Former Very Preterm Infants Show an Unfavorable Cardiovascular Risk Profile at a Preschool Age

Background and Objectives: Preterm infants are at higher risk of neurodevelopmental impairment both at preschool and school ages, even in the absence of major neurological deficits. The early identification of children at risk is essential for early intervention with rehabilitation to optimize potential outcomes during school years. The aim of our study is to assess cognitive outcomes at preschool age in a cohort of low-risk very preterm infants, previously studied at 12 and 24 months using the Griffiths scales. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six low-risk very preterm infants born at a gestational age of <32 weeks were assessed at 12 and 24 months corrected age using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (second edition) and at preschool age with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (third edition) (WPPSI-III). Results: At 12 and 24 months and at preschool age, low-risk very preterm infants showed scores within normal ranges with similar scores in males and females. A statistically significant correlation was observed in the general developmental quotient between 12 and 24 months; a further significant correlation was observed between the early cognitive assessments and those performed at preschool age, with a better correlation using the assessments at 24 months. Conclusion: The present study showed a favourable trajectory of cognitive development in low-risk very preterm infants, from 12 months to preschool age.

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Neonatal respiratory dysfunction and neuropsychological performance at the preschool age: A study of very preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Neuropsychology ◽

10.1037/a0023895 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 666-678 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Julie Bapp Newman ◽

Angela Gustafson DeBastos ◽

Daniel Batton ◽

Sarah Raz

Keyword(s):

Preterm Infants ◽

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Neuropsychological Performance ◽

Respiratory Dysfunction ◽

Very Preterm Infants ◽

Very Preterm

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Former very preterm infants show alterations in plasma amino acid profiles at a preschool age

Pediatric Research ◽

10.1038/pr.2017.24 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 81 (5) ◽

pp. 787-794 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Anna Posod ◽

Susanne Müller ◽

Irena Odri Komazec ◽

Daniel Dejaco ◽

Ulrike Pupp Peglow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Plasma Amino Acid ◽

Very Preterm Infants ◽

Very Preterm ◽

Amino Acid Profiles

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Former Very Preterm Infants Show Alterations in Thyroid Function at a Preschool Age

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2017/3805370 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anna Posod ◽

Irena Odri Komazec ◽

Ulrike Pupp Peglow ◽

Dagmar Meraner ◽

Elke Griesmaier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thyroid Hormone ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽

Preschool Age ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Free Triiodothyronine ◽

Term Infants ◽

Very Preterm Infants ◽

Very Preterm ◽

Hormone Status

Preterm birth is frequently associated with altered thyroid hormone levels in the newborn period. Recent data suggest a role of prematurity independent of birth size also in childhood thyroid dysfunction. Whether the high-risk population of former very preterm infants (VPI) is particularly susceptible to thyroid hormone alterations is currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess whether former VPI display changes in thyroid hormone status in comparison to term-born controls at a preschool age. Free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were determined in former VPI and same-aged children born at term at five to seven years of age. 31 former term infants and 82 former VPI were included in the study. In comparison to children born at term, former VPI had lower fT4 (16.1±1.8 versus 17.0±2.1 pmol/l), higher fT3 (6.8±0.7 versus 6.5 pmol/l), and higher TSH levels (3.0±1.4 versus 2.3±1.0 μU/l), independent of major neonatal morbidities. As subclinical changes in thyroid hormone status are potentially associated with adverse health profiles, close follow-up of these children is warranted.

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