Cognitive ability and related factors in preschoolers born prematurely

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate cognitive ability in preschoolers born prematurely and to investigate related factors. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 64 children at 5-6 years of corrected age (CA) (second follow-up) among 76 children who had been assessed at 2.0~3.5 years of CA (first follow-up) from a sample of 343 preterm infants born from 2008 to 2010. To evaluate each child's cognitive ability, during a home visit, we used the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II (KABC-II) at the second follow-up. To explore factors related to cognitive ability, we measured children's hemoglobin level at the second follow-up and used the data collected in our previous study, including the Bayley Scale of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) at the first follow-up. Results: The mean total KABC-II quotient was 117.0 ± 14.4. The 5-minute Apgar score (β=.29, p=.006), hemoglobin level (β=.22, p=.032), and the mental development index quotient of the BSID-II (β=.51, p < .001) were statistically significant predictors of the KABC-II quotient in multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusion: The cognitive function of young children born prematurely was influenced by early neurodevelopment and factors reflecting their health status, such as anemia and a low 5-minute Apgar score.