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Thompson SCH, Treyvaud K, Pascoe L, Mainzer RM, Nguyen TNN, Inder TE, Doyle LW, Anderson PJ. Trajectories of social outcomes in individuals born very preterm from childhood to adolescence. Acta Paediatr 2024. [PMID: 39327828 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
AIM To compare trajectories of social functioning in peer problems and prosocial behavior from 5 to 13 years between individuals born very preterm (VPT) and full-term (FT). METHODS Participants were from the Victorian Infant Brain Study (VIBeS) longitudinal cohort, consisting of 224 individuals born VPT and 77 born FT recruited at birth. Social functioning was measured using the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) peer problems and prosocial behavior subscales at 5, 7, and 13 years' corrected age. Multilevel mixed effects models were fitted. RESULTS Peer problems increased with age (adjusted mean difference per year = 0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.07, p = 0.02), with higher peer problems in the VPT compared with the FT group (adjusted mean difference between groups = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.86, p = 0.02). Prosocial behavior increased from early to middle childhood and decreased approaching adolescence, but was similar between VPT and FT groups (adjusted mean difference between groups = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.50, 0.40, p = 0.82). CONCLUSION Children born VPT are at greater risk for peer problems than FT peers and may benefit from receiving greater early social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C H Thompson
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karli Treyvaud
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leona Pascoe
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Community and Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rheanna M Mainzer
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thi-Nhu-Ngoc Nguyen
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terrie E Inder
- Center for Neonatal Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange County, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange County, California, USA
| | - Lex W Doyle
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Newborn Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital and University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J Anderson
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Center for Neonatal Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange County, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange County, California, USA
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Elgen SKF, Røiseland MA, Bircow EI, Vollsæter M, Hysing M. Symptoms and antecedents of autism in children born extremely premature: a national population-based study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:1579-1588. [PMID: 35267101 PMCID: PMC10460365 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01953-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of autism (ASD) symptoms, i.e. , social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and communicational problems, among children born extremely preterm (EP) compared to a reference group, and to investigate possible antecedents of ASD symptoms among EP children. Method is a national Norwegian cohort of 11 year old EP children, excluding those with intellectual disabilities, non-ambulatory cerebral palsy, blindness, and/or deafness. Parents and teachers reported ASD symptoms using The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). Social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, communicational problems, and a total ASSQ score were presented. Combined ratings on the ASSQ was defined as parent and/or teacher scoring the child ≥ 98th percentile of the reference group, which was the population-based Bergen Child Study. Of eligible children, 216 (64%) EP and 1882 (61%) reference children participated. EP children had significantly higher mean scores and combined ratings on social difficulties (14.5% vs. 4.1%, OR: 3.2), repetitive behaviors (23.7% vs. 4.0%, OR: 6.4), communicational problems (23.1% vs. 4.8%, OR: 5.4), and the total ASSQ score (18.3% vs. 3.4%, OR: 5.7) compared to reference children. Only no prenatal steroids, IQ 70-84, and mental health problems at 5 years of age were significantly associated with ASD symptoms at 11 years of age. EP children were at increased risk of social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and communicational problems, and approximately one out of five were reported as high scorers of ASD symptoms. No prenatal steroids use, IQ in the lower range, and mental health problems at 5 years of age were associated with ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silje Katrine Fevang Elgen
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Science, Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Bergen, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | - Elgen Irene Bircow
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria Vollsæter
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mari Hysing
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
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Gire C, Garbi A, Zahed M, Beltran Anzola A, Tosello B, Datin-Dorrière V. Neurobehavioral Phenotype and Dysexecutive Syndrome of Preterm Children: Comorbidity or Trigger? An Update. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:239. [PMID: 35204960 PMCID: PMC8870742 DOI: 10.3390/children9020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Premature birth is a worldwide public health priority. One in ten children is born before 37 weeks of gestational age and, in developed countries, survival rates without major neonatal morbidity are increasing. Although severe sequelae associated with these births have decreased, their neurobehavioral difficulties, often associated in multiple fields, remain stable but still widespread. These neurobehavioral difficulties hamper the normal development of academic achievements and societal integration and intensify the children's needs for rehabilitation during their preschool and academic years. Severe sequelae increase when gestational age decreases. This is even truer if the socio-cultural background is impeded by low income, education and language skills as compared with defined averages. However, moderate and/or minor neurocognitive and/or behavioral difficulties are almost identical for a moderate or a late preterm birth. Obtaining a better clinical description of neurobehavioral characteristics of those pretermly born, once they reach preschool age, is essential to detect behavioral issues as well as early specific cognitive difficulties (working memory, planning, inhibition, language expression and reception, attention and fine motor skills, etc.). Such information would provide a better understanding of the executive functions' role in brain connectivity, neurodevelopment and neuroanatomical correlation with premature encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Gire
- Department of Neonatology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille, Chemin des Bourrelys, CEDEX 20, 13915 Marseille, France; (C.G.); (A.G.); (M.Z.); (A.B.A.)
- CEReSS—Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Faculty of Medicine, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Garbi
- Department of Neonatology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille, Chemin des Bourrelys, CEDEX 20, 13915 Marseille, France; (C.G.); (A.G.); (M.Z.); (A.B.A.)
| | - Meriem Zahed
- Department of Neonatology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille, Chemin des Bourrelys, CEDEX 20, 13915 Marseille, France; (C.G.); (A.G.); (M.Z.); (A.B.A.)
| | - Any Beltran Anzola
- Department of Neonatology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille, Chemin des Bourrelys, CEDEX 20, 13915 Marseille, France; (C.G.); (A.G.); (M.Z.); (A.B.A.)
- CEReSS—Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Faculty of Medicine, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Barthélémy Tosello
- Department of Neonatology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille, Chemin des Bourrelys, CEDEX 20, 13915 Marseille, France; (C.G.); (A.G.); (M.Z.); (A.B.A.)
- CNRS, EFS, ADES, Aix Marseille Universite, 13915 Marseille, France
| | - Valérie Datin-Dorrière
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Avenue Cote De Nacre, 14000 Caen, France;
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Hosozawa M, Cable N, Kelly Y, Sacker A. Gestational age on trajectories of social competence difficulties into adolescence. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:1075-1080. [PMID: 33653712 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-321317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine if gestational age groups predict the development of social competence difficulties (SCDs) from childhood into mid-adolescence and to assess the mediation by maternal psychological distress during infancy on these trajectories. DESIGN Nationally representative population-based birth cohort (UK Millennium Cohort Study). PARTICIPANTS 15 821 children born in 2000-2002. OUTCOME MEASURES SCDs (derived from peer and prosocial subscales of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) were assessed by parent report when the participants were aged 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14 years. Maternal psychological distress was self-rated using Rutter Malaise Inventory when the children were 9 months of age. Data were modelled using latent growth curve analysis. RESULTS Developmental trajectories of SCDs were U-shaped in all groups. Very preterm (VP) children (<32 weeks, n=173) showed pronounced difficulties throughout, with the coefficient difference from the full term at age 14 being 0.94 (95% CI 0.23 to 1.66, equivalent to 0.32 SD of the population average SCDs). Moderate-to-late preterm children (32-36 weeks, n=1130) and early-term children (37-38 weeks, n=3232) showed greater difficulties compared with the full-term peers around age 7 years, which resolved by age 14 years (b=0.20, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.44; b=0.03, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.17, respectively). Maternal psychological distress during infancy mediated 20% of the aforementioned association at age 14 years for the VP. CONCLUSION There was a dose-response association between gestational age and the trajectories of SCDs. Monitoring and providing support on social development throughout childhood and adolescence and treating early maternal psychological distress may help children who were born earlier than ideal, particularly those born VP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Hosozawa
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan .,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Noriko Cable
- ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yvonne Kelly
- ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda Sacker
- ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
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Reyes LM, Jaekel J, Bartmann P, Wolke D. Peer Relationship Trajectories in Very Preterm and Term Individuals from Childhood to Early Adulthood. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2021; 42:621-630. [PMID: 33789321 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify trajectories of peer relationships in very preterm and term-born individuals from 6 to 26 years of age and test early-life predictors of these trajectories. METHOD As part of the Bavarian Longitudinal Study, 218 very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW; <32 weeks' gestation/<1500 grams) and 220 healthy term-born (37-42 weeks' gestation) individuals were followed prospectively from birth to adulthood. Parent and self-reports at 6, 8, 13, and 26 years were combined into comprehensive developmentally appropriate scores across 3 domains: peer acceptance, friendships, and peer problems. Latent profile analyses were used to identify trajectories across these 3 domains. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were used to test the following potential predictors of trajectories: VP/VLBW status, sex, socioeconomic status, neonatal medical risk, parent-infant relationship at 5 months, child inhibitory control at 20 months, and child cognitive abilities at 20 months. RESULTS Three trajectories were identified for peer acceptance and friendships, and 2 trajectories were identified for peer problems. Higher cognitive abilities predicted more optimal trajectories in peer acceptance (odds ratio: 1.03 [95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.05]), friendships (1.03 [1.00-1.05]), and peer problems (1.06 [1.04-1.09]). In addition, good parent-infant relationships predicted lower peer problem trajectories (1.61 [1.03-2.50]). CONCLUSION Early cognitive deficits may underlie persistent peer relationship difficulties in VP/VLBW samples. Positive parent-infant relationships may help reduce preterm children's risk for long-term peer problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia M Reyes
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
| | - Julia Jaekel
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
| | - Peter Bartmann
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Laverty C, Surtees A, O’Sullivan R, Sutherland D, Jones C, Richards C. The prevalence and profile of autism in individuals born preterm: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:41. [PMID: 34548007 PMCID: PMC8454175 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preterm birth (<37 weeks) adversely affects development in behavioural, cognitive and mental health domains. Heightened rates of autism are identified in preterm populations, indicating that prematurity may confer an increased likelihood of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The present meta-analysis aims to synthesise existing literature and calculate pooled prevalence estimates for rates of autism characteristics in preterm populations. METHODS Search terms were generated from inspection of relevant high-impact papers and a recent meta-analysis. Five databases were searched from database creation until December 2020 with PRISMA guidelines followed throughout. RESULTS 10,900 papers were retrieved, with 52 papers included in the final analyses, further classified by assessment method (screening tools N=30, diagnostic assessment N=29). Pooled prevalence estimates for autism in preterm samples was 20% when using screening tools and 6% when using diagnostic assessments. The odds of an autism diagnosis were 3.3 times higher in individuals born preterm than in the general population. CONCLUSIONS The pooled prevalence estimate of autism characteristics in individuals born preterm is considerably higher than in the general population. Findings highlight the clinical need to provide further monitoring and support for individuals born preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Laverty
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Andrew Surtees
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Forward Thinking Birmingham, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rory O’Sullivan
- School of Psychology, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU UK
| | - Daniel Sutherland
- School of Psychology, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU UK
| | - Christopher Jones
- School of Psychology, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU UK
| | - Caroline Richards
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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O'Reilly H, Ni Y, Johnson S, Wolke D, Marlow N. Extremely preterm birth and autistic traits in young adulthood: the EPICure study. Mol Autism 2021; 12:30. [PMID: 33957985 PMCID: PMC8101117 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00414-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A high prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is reported in children born extremely preterm (EP), but an even larger proportion of survivors are affected by subclinical difficulties than meet diagnostic criteria. The aims of this study were to investigate autistic traits associated with the broader autism phenotype in a cohort of young adults born EP, and explore how these traits relate to emotion recognition, empathy and autism symptom presentation in childhood. The prevalence of autism diagnoses was also investigated. Methods One hundred and twenty-nine young adults born before 26 weeks of gestation and 65 term-born controls participated in the 19-year follow-up phase of the EPICure studies. In addition to a clinical interview, participants completed the Broader Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ), the Empathy Quotient questionnaire, and the Frankfurt Test and Training of Facial Affect Recognition. The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) was completed by the participants’ parents at age 11 years. Results EP born young adults scored significantly higher on the BAPQ in comparison with their term-born peers, indicating greater autistic traits. Among EP participants, BAPQ scores were correlated with SCQ scores in childhood (r = 0.484, p < 0.001). EP young adults had significantly lower scores in emotion recognition and empathy in comparison with controls; however, this effect was mediated by IQ. At 19 years, a diagnosis of autism was reported by 10% of EP participants versus 1.6% of controls, whereas 31% of EP participants scored above the cut-off for the broader autism phenotype in comparison with 8.5% of term-born controls. Limitations The high attrition of EP participants from lower socio-economic backgrounds and with lower cognitive functioning may have led to an underrepresentation of those presenting with difficulties associated with autism. Conclusions A larger proportion of EP survivors are affected by difficulties associated with autism than have confirmed diagnoses, with a moderate correlation between autism symptom scores in childhood and autistic traits in young adulthood. EP young adults had significantly higher autism symptom scores and a larger proportion had a diagnosis of autism than controls. Screening for autistic traits at set points throughout childhood will help identify those EP individuals at risk of social difficulties who may benefit from intervention. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00414-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen O'Reilly
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6AU, UK. h.o'.,School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. h.o'
| | - Yanyan Ni
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6AU, UK
| | - Samantha Johnson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, George Davies Centre, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, and Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Neil Marlow
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6AU, UK
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Scher MS. "The First Thousand Days" Define a Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:683138. [PMID: 34408995 PMCID: PMC8365757 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.683138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-environment interactions begin at conception to influence maternal/placental/fetal triads, neonates, and children with short- and long-term effects on brain development. Life-long developmental neuroplasticity more likely results during critical/sensitive periods of brain maturation over these first 1,000 days. A fetal/neonatal program (FNNP) applying this perspective better identifies trimester-specific mechanisms affecting the maternal/placental/fetal (MPF) triad, expressed as brain malformations and destructive lesions. Maladaptive MPF triad interactions impair progenitor neuronal/glial populations within transient embryonic/fetal brain structures by processes such as maternal immune activation. Destructive fetal brain lesions later in pregnancy result from ischemic placental syndromes associated with the great obstetrical syndromes. Trimester-specific MPF triad diseases may negatively impact labor and delivery outcomes. Neonatal neurocritical care addresses the symptomatic minority who express the great neonatal neurological syndromes: encephalopathy, seizures, stroke, and encephalopathy of prematurity. The asymptomatic majority present with neurologic disorders before 2 years of age without prior detection. The developmental principle of ontogenetic adaptation helps guide the diagnostic process during the first 1,000 days to identify more phenotypes using systems-biology analyses. This strategy will foster innovative interdisciplinary diagnostic/therapeutic pathways, educational curricula, and research agenda among multiple FNNP. Effective early-life diagnostic/therapeutic programs will help reduce neurologic disease burden across the lifespan and successive generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Scher
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Emeritus Scholar Tenured Full Professor in Pediatrics and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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