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Neurologic Consequences of Preterm Birth

  • Neurology of Systemic Diseases (J Biller, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Preterm birth is the leading cause of death worldwide in children < 5 years of age; however, technology and advances in medical knowledge are increasing the survival of children born even at the fringes of viability. With increased survival comes increased risk of long-term neurologic impairments. This paper aims to review recent findings related to changes in brain development associated with prematurity and its impact on neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Recent Findings

Advanced imaging techniques, longitudinal follow-up of individuals born extremely preterm into adulthood and improved understanding of risk factors associated with neurologic impairment contribute to recent discoveries. Sensory impairments are often associated with later cognitive and social impairments and therefore represent targets for therapy.

Summary

All aspects of neurologic development can be affected by preterm delivery. Future research is needed to further elucidate targets for prenatal and postnatal interventions for neuroprotection and to improve outcomes of prematurity.

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Abbreviations

GA:

Gestational age

IVH:

Intraventricular hemorrhage

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

IQ:

Intelligence quotient

ADC:

Apparent diffusion coefficient

MRS:

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy

DTI:

Diffusion tensor imaging

CP:

Cerebral palsy

ROP:

Retinopathy of prematurity

NICU:

Neonatal intensive care unit

ÉPIPAGE Cohort:

Epidemiological study of premature infants (étude épidémiologique sur les petits âges gestationnels)

DCD:

Developmental coordination disorder

DSM:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

ADHD:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ELGAN:

Extremely low gestational age newborns

ASD:

Autism spectrum disorder

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  1. Division of Child Neurology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Dr., Columbus, OH, 43205, USA

    Margie A. Ream & Lenora Lehwald

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  1. Margie A. Ream
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  2. Lenora Lehwald
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Correspondence to Margie A. Ream.

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Margie A. Ream and Lenora Lehwald declare no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Neurology of Systemic Diseases

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Ream, M.A., Lehwald, L. Neurologic Consequences of Preterm Birth. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 18, 48 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-018-0862-2

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