Visual function correlates with neurodevelopment in a population cohort of school‐aged children born extremely preterm. (19th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ingvaldsen, Sigrid Hegna; Hansen, Tor Ivar; Håberg, Asta K.; Moholdt, Viggo; Evensen, Kari Anne I.; Dammann, Olaf; Austeng, Dordi; Morken, Tora Sund
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 112:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 753
• Page End: 761
• Publication Date: 2023-01-19
• Subjects: contrast sensitivity -- extremely preterm -- neurodevelopment -- visual acuity; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.16667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To investigate visual function and neurodevelopment in a geographically defined population cohort of school‐aged children born extremely preterm. Methods: All children born extremely preterm in Central Norway between 2006 and 2011 ( n =65) were identified, and 36 (median age, min/max: 13, 10/16) were included. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (four spatial frequencies), parent‐reported challenges and neuropsychological testing in learning, executive functions, motor skills, perception, reaction time, working and visual memory, processing speed, and pattern separation were measured. Brain MRI (3T) was acquired and read by a neuroradiologist. Results: Median (min/max) BCVA letter score was 85 (35/91) in the better and 82 (13/89) in the worse eye. ROP participants ( n =7) had lower contrast sensitivity in the two highest spatial frequencies ( p = 0.024 and p = 0.004). Parent‐reported challenges correlated negatively with BCVA (learning: p = 0.014; executive functions: p = 0.002; motor skills: p = 0.000; and perception: p = 0.001), while motor skills correlated negatively with one ( p = 0.010) and perception with two ( p = 0.003 and p = 0.009) of four spatial frequencies. Neuropsychological tests were reduced relative to norms. None had MRI‐verified preterm brain injury. Conclusion: Visual function was subnormal and correlated with parent‐reported challenges in a small cohort of extremely preterm school‐aged children, indicating that visual function may be a marker of neurodevelopmental outcomes.