Impaired cognitive ability at 2.5 years predicts later visual and ophthalmological problems in children born very preterm. (25th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hreinsdottir, Jonina; Fredriksson Kaul, Ylva; Hellström‐Westas, Lena; Rosander, Kerstin; von Hofsten, Claes; Holmström, Gerd
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 107:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 822
• Page End: 830
• Publication Date: 2018-01-25
• Subjects: Cognition -- Long term -- Risk factor -- Very preterm -- Visual outcome; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.14209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To identify possible predictive factors for visual problems at 6.5 years in children born very preterm. Methods: During 2004–2007, all very preterm infants (gestational age [GA] <32 weeks) in Uppsala County, Sweden were screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) neonatally; at four months, visual tracking was tested; at 2.5 years, visuospatial and cognitive tests were carried out. At 6.5 years, 84 preterm children and a reference group of 64 full‐term children underwent ophthalmological testing. Results: Mean visual acuity (VA) did not differ between the groups, but subnormal VA (≤0.8) was more common in the preterm group (31% vs 14%; p < 0.05). More often than full‐term children, preterm children had impaired contrast sensitivity (<0.5) (36% vs 19%; p < 0.05) and strabismus (8% vs 0%; p < 0.05). Low GA, ROP, intraventricular haemorrhage 3‐4/periventricular leukomalacia and cognitive disability at 2.5 years predicted ophthalmological and visual problems at 6.5 years. Visual tracking ability at four months was not predictive of ophthalmological outcome. Conclusion: Children born preterm had more ophthalmological problems at 6.5 years of age, including subtle dysfunctions. ROP, early brain injury and impaired cognitive function around 2.5 years predicted later ophthalmological dysfunctions.