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Balázs A, Lakatos K, Harmati-Pap V, Tóth I, Kas B. The influence of temperament and perinatal factors on language development: a longitudinal study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1375353. [PMID: 39027051 PMCID: PMC11256306 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1375353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Early language development is characterized by large individual variation. Several factors were proposed to contribute to individual pathways of language acquisition in infancy and childhood. One of the biologically based explaining factors is temperament, however, the exact contributions and the timing of the effects merits further research. Pre-term status, infant sex, and environmental factors such as maternal education and maternal language are also involved. Our study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationship between infant temperament and early language development, also considering infant gender, gestational age, and birthweight. Early temperament was assessed at 6, 9, 18, 24, and 30 months with the Very Short Form of Infant Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ-R) and the Very Short Form of Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ). Early nonverbal communication skills, receptive and expressive vocabulary were evaluated with the Hungarian version of The MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (HCDI). Our study adds further evidence to the contribution of infant temperament to early language development. Temperament, infant gender, and gestational age were associated with language development in infancy. Infants and toddlers with higher Surgency might enter communicative situations more readily and show more engagement with adult social partners, which is favorable for communication development. Gestational age was previously identified as a predictor for language in preterm infants. Our results extend this association to the later and narrower gestational age time window of term deliveries. Infants born after longer gestation develop better expressive vocabulary in toddlerhood. Gestational age may mark prenatal developmental processes that may exert influence on the development of verbal communication at later ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Balázs
- Institute for General and Hungarian Linguistics, HUN-REN Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics, Budapest, Hungary
- Sound and Speech Perception Research Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Lakatos
- Sound and Speech Perception Research Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Harmati-Pap
- Institute for General and Hungarian Linguistics, HUN-REN Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Tóth
- Sound and Speech Perception Research Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Kas
- Institute for General and Hungarian Linguistics, HUN-REN Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Language-Learning Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education, Budapest, Hungary
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Wiingreen R, Sørensen KK, Greisen G, Løkkegaard ECL, Torp-Pedersen C, Andersen MP, Mølholm Hansen B. Poor socioeconomic outcomes: Completion of the final examination after lower secondary education mitigates risks associated with gestational age. Acta Paediatr 2024. [PMID: 38894624 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17325] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the influence of gestational age (GA) on the association between completion of the final examination after 10-11 years of basic education and education, financial independence and income in early adulthood. METHODS A nationwide register-based study including individuals born in Denmark between 1990 and 1992. Completion of the examination was evaluated at age 18 and education, financial independence and income at age 28. RESULTS Of 165 683 individuals included, 15.7%, 10.8% and 5.5% had low educational level, were not financially independent and had low income. For those who completed the examination odds ratio (OR) ranged from 1.03 at GA = 32-36 weeks to 1.25 at ≤27 weeks for low education, from 1.10 to 0.91 for not being financial independent and from 1.06 to 1.48 for low income. For those who did not complete the examination, OR increased from 7.55 at ≥37 weeks to 15.03 at ≤27 weeks for low education and from 4.68 to 15.31 for not being financial independent. For low income, OR was 2.57 and independent of GA. CONCLUSION For individuals who completed the examination, the odds of poor socioeconomic outcomes were independent of GA. Individuals who did not complete the examination had increased odds of poor socioeconomic outcomes, particularly as GA decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Wiingreen
- Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Kold Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gorm Greisen
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellen C L Løkkegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Christian Torp-Pedersen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Porsborg Andersen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- The Prehospital Center, Næstved, Denmark
| | - Bo Mølholm Hansen
- Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kalbhenn J, Marx O, Müller-Peltzer K, Kunze M, Bürkle H, Bansbach J. [Pregnant women with COVID-19 ARDS on the intensive care unit]. DIE ANAESTHESIOLOGIE 2024; 73:385-397. [PMID: 38671334 PMCID: PMC11164748 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-024-01405-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at increased risk of severe disease progression. Comorbidities, such as chronic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, advanced maternal age and high body mass index, may predispose to severe disease. The management of pregnant COVID-19 patients on the intensive care unit (ICU) is challenging and requires careful consideration of maternal, fetal and ethical issues. OBJECTIVE Description and discussion of intensive care treatment strategies and perinatal anesthesiological management in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS). MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed the demographic data, maternal medical history, clinical intensive care management, complications, indications and management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and infant survival of all pregnant patients treated for severe CARDS in the anesthesiological ICU of a German university hospital between March and November 2021. RESULTS The cohort included 9 patients with a mean age of 30.3 years (range 26-40 years). The gestational age ranged from 21 + 3 weeks to 37 + 2 weeks. None of the patients had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV‑2. Of the nine patients seven were immigrants and communication was hampered by inadequate Central European language skills. Of the patients five had a PaO2/FiO2 index < 150 mm Hg despite escalated invasive ventilation (FiO2 > 0.9 and a positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] of 14 mbar) and were therefore treated with repeated prolonged prone positioning maneuvers (5-14 prone positions for 16 h each, a total of 47 prone positioning treatments) and 2 required treatment with inhaled nitric oxide and venovenous ECMO. The most common complications were bacterial superinfection of the lungs, urinary tract infection and delirium. All the women and five neonates survived. All newborns were delivered by cesarean section, two patients were discharged home with an intact pregnancy and two intrauterine fetal deaths were observed. None of the newborns tested positive for SARS-CoV‑2 at birth. CONCLUSION High survival rates are possible in pregnant patients with CARDS. The peripartum management of pregnant women with CARDS requires close interdisciplinary collaboration and should prioritize maternal survival in early pregnancy. In our experience, prolonged prone positioning, an essential evidence-based cornerstone in the treatment of ARDS, can also be safely used in advanced stages of pregnancy. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and ECMO should be considered as life-saving treatment options for carefully selected patients. For cesarean section, neuraxial anesthesia can be safely performed in patients with mild CARDS if well planned but the therapeutic anticoagulation recommended for COVID-19 may increase the risk of bleeding complications, making general anesthesia a more viable alternative, especially in severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kalbhenn
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - O Marx
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - K Müller-Peltzer
- Klinik für Radiologie, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - M Kunze
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde, Geburtshilfe und Perinatologie, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - H Bürkle
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - J Bansbach
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Deutschland.
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Sejer EPF, Ladelund AK, Bruun FJ, Slavensky JA, Mortensen EL, Kesmodel US. Preterm birth and subsequent intelligence and academic performance in youth: A cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:850-861. [PMID: 38348635 PMCID: PMC11019527 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Worldwide, more children than before survive preterm birth. Preterm birth can affect long-term cognitive outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between preterm birth and academic performance and intelligence in youth. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cohort study included all liveborn children in Denmark from 1978 to 2000. We used uni- and multivariable logistic and linear regressions to analyze associations between gestational age and school graduation, grade point average (GPA), attending conscription, and male intelligence scores at conscription. We adjusted for a priori defined potential confounders. RESULTS The study included 1 450 681 children and found an association between preterm birth and lower academic performance, with children born extremely preterm having the lowest odds of graduating from lower- and upper secondary education (LSE and USE) and appearing before the conscription board (odds ratios of 0.45 [0.38-0.54], 0.52 [0.46-0.59], and 0.47 [0.39-0.56] for LSE, USE, and conscription, respectively, compared to the term group). Statistically significant differences were observed in LSE for total GPA and core subject GPA with higher GPAs in the term group, which were considered clinically relevant for mathematics with a 0.71 higher grade point for the term compared to the extremely preterm. Conversely, USE differences were less evident, and in linear regression models we found that preterm birth was associated with higher GPAs in the adjusted analyses; however, this was not statistically significant. We demonstrated statistically significant differences in intelligence scores at conscription with lower scores in the three preterm groups (-5.13, -2.73, and - 0.76, respectively) compared to the term group. CONCLUSIONS Low gestational age at birth was associated with not graduating from LSE and USE, achieving lower GPAs in LSE, not attending conscription, and lower intelligence scores in young adulthood. The findings remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frederik Jager Bruun
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHerlev and Gentofte HospitalHerlevDenmark
| | - Julie Anna Slavensky
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHerlev and Gentofte HospitalHerlevDenmark
| | | | - Ulrik Schiøler Kesmodel
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHerlev and Gentofte HospitalHerlevDenmark
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAalborg University HospitalAalborgDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineAalborg UniversityAalborgDenmark
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Wiingreen R, Greisen G, Løkkegaard ECL, Torp-Pedersen C, Sørensen KK, Andersen MP, Hansen BM. Preterm children born below 33-35 weeks of gestation have an increased risk of mathematical difficulties. Acta Paediatr 2024; 113:212-220. [PMID: 37750237 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association between gestational age (GA) and grade point averages by domains of language and mathematics at the end of lower secondary education. METHODS A nationwide register-based study including all Danish children born in 1992-1997 who completed lower secondary education. Grades were evaluated by GA. Domain-specific differences in grades were investigated, and academic profiles were made. RESULTS The study population comprised 319 796 children. For language, only minor differences in grades were observed. The grades in mathematics ranged from 7.02 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.00-7.04) at GA = 40 weeks to 5.86 (95% CI: 5.61-6.11) at GA <28 weeks. Grade differences showed lower grades in mathematics, compared to language, below GA 33-35 weeks. The academic profile of mathematical difficulties was more prevalent among GA <32 weeks. Average/high grades within both domains represented the predominant academic profile, constituting 68.8% at GA 39-41 weeks and 56.6% at GA <28 weeks. CONCLUSION Only in mathematics decreasing GA was associated with lower grades. Increased mathematical difficulties were found below GA 33-35 weeks. The academic profile of mathematical difficulties was more prevalent among GA <32 weeks. However, the absolute differences in grades were small, and the predominant academic profile was average/high grades within both domains across all GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Wiingreen
- Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gorm Greisen
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellen C L Løkkegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Christian Torp-Pedersen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrine K Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel P Andersen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Bo M Hansen
- Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Roustaei Z, Heino A, Kiuru-Kuhlefelt S, Morris JK, Glinianaia SV, Garne E, Loane M, Rankin J, Gissler M. Educational achievement of children with selected major congenital anomalies and associated factors: a Finnish registry-based study. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:1027-1034. [PMID: 37594898 PMCID: PMC10710322 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with major congenital anomalies may be at risk of poor educational outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the educational achievement of children born with major congenital anomalies compared with children without major congenital anomalies in relation to sociodemographic factors. METHODS We performed a registry-based study including 401 544 children in Finland, graduates of the compulsory school who applied to secondary education. We used health data from the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations for children born from 1995 to 2002 linked with education data from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. We used generalized linear regression to compare the mean grade differences of children with specific major congenital anomalies and 'All anomalies' subgroup (major congenital anomalies, chromosomal syndromes, and multiple anomalies) with reference children. RESULTS Children with major congenital anomalies were less likely to apply for further education than reference children (88.0% vs. 96.8%; odds ratio = 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 3.92-4.36). For most non-chromosomal congenital anomalies, children born with congenital anomalies had similar educational achievement to the reference children. For the 'All anomalies' subgroup, children with congenital anomalies had lower educational achievement than reference children. Among children with congenital anomalies, male sex, lower maternal educational levels and younger maternal age were associated with lower educational achievement. CONCLUSIONS For children applying to further education, most non-chromosomal congenital anomalies were not associated with lower educational achievement. Nevertheless, efforts are needed to improve educational achievement in children with major congenital anomalies associated with maternal sociodemographic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Roustaei
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Heino
- Department of Knowledge Brokers, THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sonja Kiuru-Kuhlefelt
- Department of Knowledge Brokers, THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joan K Morris
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Ester Garne
- Paediatric Department, Hospital Lillebælt, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Maria Loane
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mika Gissler
- Department of Knowledge Brokers, THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Academic Primary Health Care Centre, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Jenkinson AC, Kaltsogianni O, Dassios T, Greenough A. Systematic review of the long-term effects of postnatal corticosteroids. J Perinat Med 2023; 51:1120-1128. [PMID: 37606507 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dexamethasone administration can reduce bronchopulmonary dysplasia, our objective was to identify long term adverse effects. CONTENT A systematic review was performed to determine the childhood and adolescent cardiopulmonary and cognitive effects of dexamethasone systemically administered to preterm infants during neonatal intensive care. Relevant studies were identified by searching two electronic health databases and the grey literature. Spirometry assessments were used as respiratory outcomes, blood pressure and echocardiography assessments as cardiovascular outcomes and cognitive and motor function as cognitive outcomes. From 1,479 articles initially identified, 18 studies (overall 1,609 patients) were included (respiratory n=8, cardiovascular n=2, cognitive n=10); all were observational cohort studies. Dexamethasone exposure was associated with worse pulmonary outcomes in children and adolescents (more abnormal FVC and FEV1:FVC z scores). Dexamethasone exposure was associated in one study with lower IQ scores compared to preterm controls (mean 78.2 [SD 15.0] vs. 84.4 [12.6], [p=0.008]) and in two others was associated with lower total and performance IQ when compared to term controls (p<0.001). SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK Postnatal dexamethasone exposure has a negative influence on pulmonary and cognitive outcomes in childhood and adolescence. Medications with a better benefit to risk profile need to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan C Jenkinson
- Department of Women and Children, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ourania Kaltsogianni
- Department of Women and Children, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Theodore Dassios
- Department of Women and Children, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Neonatal Intensive Care Centre, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anne Greenough
- Department of Women and Children, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Hiscock RJ, Atkinson JA, Tong S, Walker SP, Kennedy A, Cheong JYL, Quach JL, Gurrin LC, Hastie R, Lindquist A. Educational Outcomes for Children at 7 to 9 Years of Age After Birth at 39 vs 40 to 42 Weeks' Gestation. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2343721. [PMID: 37976062 PMCID: PMC10656640 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.43721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Birth at 39 weeks' gestation is common and thought to be safe for mother and neonate. However, findings of long-term outcomes for children born at this gestational age have been conflicting. Objective To evaluate the association of birth at 39 weeks' gestation with childhood numeracy and literacy scores at ages 7 to 9 years compared with birth at 40 to 42 weeks' gestation. Design, Setting, and Participants In this Australian statewide, population-based cohort study using a causal inference framework based on target trial emulation, perinatal data on births between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2011, were linked to educational outcomes at 7 to 9 years of age. Statistical analyses were performed from December 2022 to June 2023. Exposure Birth at 39 weeks' gestation compared with birth at 40 to 42 weeks' gestation. Main Outcomes and Measures Numeracy and literacy outcomes were assessed at 7 to 9 years of age using Australian National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy data and defined by overall z score across 5 domains (grammar and punctuation, reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy). Multiple imputation and doubly robust inverse probability weighted regression adjustment were used to estimate population average causal effects. Results The study population included 155 575 children. Of these children, 49 456 (31.8%; 24 952 boys [50.5%]) were born at 39 weeks' gestation and were compared with 106 119 (68.2%; 52 083 boys [49.1%]) born at 40 to 42 weeks' gestation. Birth at 39 weeks' gestation was not associated with altered educational outcomes for children aged 7 to 9 years compared with their peers born at 40 to 42 weeks' gestation (mean [SE] z score, 0.0008 [0.0019] vs -0.0031 [0.0038]; adjusted risk difference, -0.004 [95% CI, -0.015 to 0.007]). Each educational domain was investigated, and no significant difference was found in grammar and punctuation (risk difference [RD], -0.006 [95% CI, -0.016 to 0.005]), numeracy (RD, -0.009 [95% CI, -0.020 to 0.001]), spelling (RD, 0.001 [95% CI, -0.011 to 0.0013]), reading (RD, -0.008 [95% CI, -0.019 to 0.003]), or writing (RD, 0.006 [95% CI, -0.005 to 0.016]) scores for children born at 39 weeks' gestation compared with those born at 40 to 42 weeks' gestation. Birth at 39 weeks' gestation also did not increase the risk of scoring below national minimum standards in any of the 5 tested domains. Conclusions and Relevance Using data from a statewide linkage study to emulate the results of a target randomized clinical trial, this study suggests that there is no evidence of an association of birth at 39 weeks' gestation with numeracy and literacy outcomes for children aged 7 to 9 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Hiscock
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica A. Atkinson
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan P. Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amber Kennedy
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeanie Y. L. Cheong
- Newborn Research, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jon L. Quach
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lyle C. Gurrin
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthea Lindquist
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Eves R, Wolke D, Spiegler J, Lemola S. Association of Birth Weight Centiles and Gestational Age With Cognitive Performance at Age 5 Years. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2331815. [PMID: 37651137 PMCID: PMC10472194 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Birth weight percentiles (BWPs) are often dichotomized at the 10th percentile and show statistically significant association with later cognitive performance, for both preterm and term-born children. However, research testing nonlinear associations between BWPs and cognitive performance is scarce. Objective To investigate culturally invariant, nonlinear associations of BWPs and gestational age with later cognitive performance. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study, participants with valid neonatal and cognitive data were combined from 4 observational cohorts, including the Millennium Cohort Study, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 Child and Young Adult cohort, Growing Up in Ireland, and the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, with children born between 2000 and 2002, 1980 and 2010, 2007 and 2008, and 2003 and 2004, respectively. Neonatal data were parent reported before age 1 year. At approximately 5 years of age, multiple cognitive tests were performed. Follow-up at 5 years of age was the predominant focus. Data were analyzed July 17, 2023. Exposure The parent-reported neonatal data were used to calculate BWPs according to the Fenton growth chart. Main Outcome and Measure Scores for IQ were created from multiple measures of cognition, which were z standardized separately within each cohort. Results Of 30 643 participants (50.8% male), 7.5% were born preterm (before 37 weeks gestation) and 92.5% were term born (between 37 and 42 weeks gestation). In the pooled data using multivariate adaptive regression splines, IQ linearly increased by 4.2 points as BWPs increased from the first to the 69th percentile before completely plateauing. For gestational age, IQ linearly increased by 1.3 points per week up until 32 weeks, with the association reducing to 0.3 points per week after 32 weeks. The association of BWP with IQ was not moderated by gestational age. For term-born infants, the estimated IQ score was only clinically meaningfully lower than average when birth weight was below the third percentile. Consistent results were found when instead using multivariable regression where gestational age and BWPs were categorized into groups. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, lower BWPs and gestational age were independently associated with lower IQ. For term-born infants, a cutoff of the third percentile would be more appropriate than the traditionally used 10th percentile when the aim is estimating meaningful cognitive differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Eves
- Fakultät für Psychologie und Sportwissenschaft, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Group, University of Warwick, Warwick, England, United Kingdom
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Group, University of Warwick, Warwick, England, United Kingdom
| | - Juliane Spiegler
- Kinderklinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Sakari Lemola
- Fakultät für Psychologie und Sportwissenschaft, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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Chen X, Shi Y. Determinants of microbial colonization in the premature gut. Mol Med 2023; 29:90. [PMID: 37407941 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00689-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal microbial colonization in the gut at an early stage of life affects growth, development, and health, resulting in short- and long-term adverse effects. Microbial colonization patterns of preterm infants differ from those of full-term infants in that preterm babies and their mothers have more complicated prenatal and postnatal medical conditions. Maternal complications, antibiotic exposure, delivery mode, feeding type, and the use of probiotics may significantly shape the gut microbiota of preterm infants at an early stage of life; however, these influences subside with age. Although some factors and processes are difficult to intervene in or avoid, understanding the potential factors and determinants will help in developing timely strategies for a healthy gut microbiota in preterm infants. This review discusses potential determinants of gut microbial colonization in preterm infants and their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, China
| | - Yongyan Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, China.
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Ahmed A, Yang S. Gestational age at birth and school performance. BMJ 2023; 380:70. [PMID: 36653027 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ahmed
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Seungmi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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