Neurocognitive function and associations with mental health in adults born preterm with very low birthweight or small for gestational age at term.

Objectives: To assess neurocognitive function in adults born with low birthweight compared with controls and to explore associations between neurocognitive function and psychopathology in these groups.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, one group born preterm with very low birthweight (VLBW: birthweight <1,500 ,  = 53), one group born small for gestational age at term (SGA: birthweight <10th percentile,  = 63) and one term-born control group (birthweight ≥10th percentile,  = 81) were assessed with neurocognitive tests, diagnostic interviews, and self-report questionnaires at 26 years of age.

Results: The VLBW group scored significantly below the control group on several neurocognitive measures, including IQ measures, psychomotor speed, verbal fluency, aspects of visual learning and memory, attention, social cognition, working memory and fine motor speed.

Atypical brain structure mediates reduced IQ in young adults born preterm with very low birth weight.

Preterm birth with very low birth weight (VLBW) confers heightened risk for perinatal brain injury and long-term cognitive deficits, including a reduction in IQ of up to one standard deviation. Persisting gray and white matter aberrations have been documented well into adolescence and adulthood in preterm born individuals. What has not been documented so far is a plausible causal link between reductions in cortical surface area or subcortical brain structure volumes, and the observed reduction in IQ.

Multidisciplinary and neuroimaging findings in preterm born very low birthweight individuals from birth to 28 years of age: A systematic review of a Norwegian prospective cohort study.

Background: Children born preterm with very low birthweight (VLBW) face long-lasting neurodevelopmental challenges, where multidisciplinary assessments are warranted. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for understanding and conceptualising these outcomes.

Objectives: We aimed to review clinical and neuroimaging findings from birth to adulthood in a Norwegian cohort of individuals born preterm with VLBW (gestational age <37 weeks, birthweight ≤1500 g) within the framework of ICF.

Increased interaction and procedural flexibility favoured participation: Study across European cohorts of preterm born individuals.

Objective: To understand participation and attrition phenomena variability in European cohorts of individuals born preterm through in-depth exploration of the interplay of situational elements involved.

Methods: Multi-situated qualitative design, using focus groups, semi-structured interviews and collaborative visual methodology with a purposive sample of adults born preterm, parents and professionals (n = 124) from eight cohorts in seven European countries.

Results: Most cohort participants were motivated by altruism/solidarity and gratitude/sense of duty to reciprocate (only absent in adults aged 19 - 21), followed by expectation of direct benefit to one's health and knowledge amongst participating adults.

Maternal alcohol and drug use during pregnancy affects the motor behaviour and general movements of infants aged 3-4 months.

Background: Exposure of alcohol and/or other addictive drugs in pregnancy is a documented risk factor for later neurological impairment.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine whether infants suffering from prenatal exposure to addictive drugs and alcohol develop an abnormal motor behaviour at three to four months of age.

Study Design: Controlled cohort study of infants exposed to alcohol and/or other addictive drugs in pregnancy who were recruited from a hospital follow-up programme.