Premature babies face more than twice the risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with term babies of normal birth weight, an analysis of various scientific studies shows.
The analysis, involving more than 1500 cases (children with ADHD) and 1700 controls (children without ADHD), evaluated after their fifth birthday, also showed that low cognitive test scores [which assess the ability to think, judge and learn] were linked directly to length of gestation and low birth weight (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2002; 288: 728-37).
Commenting on the study, Adelaide paediatrician Dr Michael Rice said much of the information was known, and acted on, but the results of the analysis underlined the importance of referring to a specialist any infants who were not progressing satisfactorily.
'Careful follow-up of the developmental progress of preterm, low birth weight infants is just as important as ensuring their immunisations are undertaken,' Dr Rice said.
Most perinatal units had good follow-up for low birth weight infants, but parents often dropped out and it could be necessary to help them re-establish links with the original follow-up programme.
Dr Rice, head of the AMA's new Advisory Committee on Child and Youth Health, said the study underlined the importance to public health of preventing preterm delivery.
The meta-analysis found significantly lower cognitive scores among children born preterm compared with controls.
The researchers found that children born preterm showed increases in externalising or internalising behaviours in 13 out of 16 studies.
Ten out of 15 studies that assessed children for ADHD found a significantly higher prevalence of attention problems in those who were born preterm, giving them a 2.64-fold increased relative risk of developing ADHD.
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Pregnancy is a very delicate situation. Every mother should make sure that they have enough nutrition and a healthy living in able to give birth to a healthy baby. Also ensure that your premature baby has a complete immunizations.
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