Newborn Neurobehavior Is Related to Later Neurodevelopment and Social Cognition Skills in Extremely Preterm-Born Children: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.710430
• Publication Date: 2021-09-06T19:48:49Z
• Authors: Leena Aho; Marjo Metsäranta; Piia Lönnberg; Elina Wolford; Aulikki Lano
• Keywords: Neurocognitive

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability neonatal neurobehavioral characteristics act as an indicator for later neurodevelopment and neurocognitive performance. Methods: Sixty-six infants born extremely preterm (<28 gestational weeks) were followed until 6.5 years. Neurobehavior at term age assessed by behavior subscale Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) using dichotomic rating, optimal, non-optimal. Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS) 2 years, Wechsler Intelligence a Neuropsychological Assessment years used assess performance including social cognition skills. Results: An optimal auditory orientation associated with better developmental quotients (DQ) in Personal–Social, Hearing–Language GMDS ( p < 0.05). visual alertness Total 0.01), Locomotor 0.001), Eye–Hand Coordination 0.01) DQs sensorimotor function 0.001) perception tests Conclusion: newborns might serve precursor skills HNNE offers tool identify risk deficits cognition.