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Neuropediatrics 2019; 50(04): 219-227
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688955
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Young Adult Motor, Sensory, and Cognitive Outcomes and Longitudinal Development after Very and Extremely Preterm Birth

Brigitte Vollmer 
1   Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
2   Neonatal and Paediatric Neurology, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
3   Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
,
Johanna Stålnacke
4   Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

30 October 2018

18 March 2019

Publication Date:
29 May 2019 (online)

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Abstract

In this narrative review, we report on adult outcomes after very (before 32 weeks of gestation [wGA]) and extremely (before 28 wGA) preterm birth, with a focus on neuromotor function, neurosensory impairment, general cognitive abilities, executive function, and attentional abilities, all of which are important for academic progress, peer relationships, and participation. Longitudinal development from childhood to adulthood is described. Preterm born individuals have a higher risk for impairment of general cognitive abilities, executive function, attention, and neuromotor abilities well into adulthood, with, however, considerable variability in outcomes. Differences between individuals born preterm and their term born peers persist. Long-term outcomes of general cognitive ability can be predicted with some degree of certainty from childhood assessments: those who perform poor on early childhood age assessments very likely will not catch up, whereas those who perform within the normal range on early assessments sometimes accelerate their development relative to term born peers. This appears similar for executive function and attention, although data on trajectories for these functions are somewhat inconsistent. In adulthood, some studies describe poorer educational outcomes, employment, independent living, and/or economic situation compared with term born individuals; however, large proportion of those born preterm report similar self-perceived quality of life.

Keywords

preterm birth - neuromotor - cognitive - executive function - adulthood - longitudinal development
 

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