Early risk predictors for impaired numerical skills in 5-year-old children born before 32weeks of gestation

Abstract

Aim To unravel risk predictors for impaired numerical skills at 5years of age in a population-based cohort of very preterm infants. Methods: Between January 2003 and August 2006, we prospectively enrolled all infants born in Tyrol with <32weeks of gestation. A total of 161 of 223 preterm infants (participation rate 72.2%) had a detailed examination at 5years of age including cognitive assessment (Hannover-Wechsler Intelligence Test for preschool children, third edition (HAWIVA-III) or Snijders-Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test (SON-R)). In 135 children, numerical abilities were assessed with the dyscalculia test TEDI-MATH. The association between pre- and postnatal factors and impaired numerical skills was analyzed by means of logistic regression analysis. Results: Dyscalculia test showed delayed numerical skills (TEDI-MATH Sum T-score <40) in 27 of 135 children tested (20.0%). In half of the children tested, delayed numerical abilities were related to lower IQ scores. Smoking in pregnancy, intracerebral haemorrhage and chronic lung disease were predictive of delayed numerical skills at 5years of age in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This study identified risk predictors for impaired numerical skills in preterm infants. Our data support the role of both pre- and perinatal factors in the evolution of mathematical deficits. © 2012 The Author(s)/Acta Pædiatrica.