Predicting Cognitive Impairment in Preterm Infants at Discharge from NICU

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A recent study conducted by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and University College Cork in Ireland has found that impaired cognition among preschoolers born very early can be predicted at the time of discharge from neonatal care. Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the study used machine learning to identify the most significant risk factors for delayed cognitive development in preterm infants.

The researchers analyzed data from the Swedish Neonatal Quality Registry, which included information on 90 characteristics during pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal care of Swedish children born prematurely between pregnancy weeks 22–31. A total of 1,062 very preterm babies were included in the study, all of whom were psychologically tested for cognitive outcomes at the age of 2 years.

Using machine learning, the researchers were able to rule out 64 out of 90 traits, neonatal conditions, and exposures as they were not associated with the child’s future development. By analyzing the remaining 26 risk factors in a predictive model, the researchers were able to identify 93% of very preterm infants who would later exhibit delayed cognitive development at the time of discharge from the NICU.

While it is known that children born very preterm are at risk of cognitive difficulties later in life, it is currently challenging to predict which children are most at risk at an individual level. This makes it difficult to provide targeted preventative interventions to those who need it the most.

The findings of this study are a significant step towards tailoring preventative interventions to the most vulnerable children even at the time of their discharge from neonatal intensive care. Although there are effective interventions available today, they can be resource-intensive and may not be accessible to everyone. Therefore, the development of new prediction tools like the one used in this study is crucial, according to Mikael Norman, the lead researcher of the study and Professor of Pediatrics at Karolinska Institutet.

Out of all the children examined in the study, 21% (231 children) screened positive for delayed cognitive development at the age of 2. In addition to known risk factors such as low birth weight, male gender, and neonatal cerebral hemorrhage, the study identified non-Scandinavian home language, prolonged ventilator treatment, and lack of breastfeeding at discharge from neonatal care as important risk factors for delayed cognitive development.

The study was conducted using the follow-up program established by the Swedish Neonatal Society for very preterm babies and data from the Swedish Neonatal Quality register for neonatal care. The researchers collaborated with experts from the INFANT research center in Cork, Ireland, and Dublin City University in Ireland for data analysis.

This study has significant implications for healthcare professionals and policymakers in identifying preterm infants who are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment. By identifying these risk factors early on, targeted interventions and support can be provided to improve the cognitive outcomes of these children.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Ravina
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Ravina Pandya,  Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.