Neurologic Consequences of Preterm Birth

• Published in: Current neurology and neuroscience reports Vol. 18; no. 8; pp. 48 - 10
• Main Authors: Ream, Margie A., Lehwald, Lenora
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.08.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Children; Cognitive ability; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Neuroimaging; Neurology; Neurology of Systemic Diseases (J Biller; Neuroprotection; Neurosciences; Premature birth; Risk factors; Section Editor; Survival; Topical Collection on Neurology of Systemic Disease; Cerebral palsy; Social development; Prematurity; Sensory impairment; Brain development; Neurodevelopmental disabilities
• ISSN: 1528-4042; 1534-6293
• DOI: 10.1007/s11910-018-0862-2

Purpose of Review Preterm birth is the leading cause of death worldwide in children < 5 years of age; however, technology and advances in medical knowledge are increasing the survival of children born even at the fringes of viability. With increased survival comes increased risk of long-term neurologic impairments. This paper aims to review recent findings related to changes in brain development associated with prematurity and its impact on neurodevelopmental disabilities. Recent Findings Advanced imaging techniques, longitudinal follow-up of individuals born extremely preterm into adulthood and improved understanding of risk factors associated with neurologic impairment contribute to recent discoveries. Sensory impairments are often associated with later cognitive and social impairments and therefore represent targets for therapy. Summary All aspects of neurologic development can be affected by preterm delivery. Future research is needed to further elucidate targets for prenatal and postnatal interventions for neuroprotection and to improve outcomes of prematurity.