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Behavioral problems are associated with cognitive and language scores in toddlers born extremely preterm.

CPQCC Publication
TitleBehavioral problems are associated with cognitive and language scores in toddlers born extremely preterm.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsLowe JR, Fuller JF, Do BT, Vohr BR, Das A, Hintz SR, Watterberg KL, Higgins RD
Corporate AuthorsEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health, Human Development Neonatal Research Network
JournalEarly Hum Dev
Volume128
Pagination48-54
Date Published2019 01
ISSN1872-6232
KeywordsChild, Child, Preschool, Cognition, Developmental Disabilities, Female, Humans, Infant, Extremely Premature, Infant, Newborn, Language Development, Male, Motor Skills, Problem Behavior
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of parent-reported child behaviors on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to cognition, language, and motor skills on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development - III (Bayley-III) in toddlers born extremely preterm.

STUDY DESIGN: Toddlers born extremely preterm (gestational ages 22 0/7 to 26 6/7 weeks) were tested at 22-26 months corrected age with Bayley-III while parents completed the CBCL. Socio-demographic variables and medical history were recorded. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship of Bayley-III cognitive, motor, and language scores with CBCL scores, adjusting for medical and socio-demographic factors.

RESULTS: Internalizing, affective, and pervasive development problem behavior scores on the CBCL correlated significantly with lower Bayley-III cognitive, language, and motor scores on unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Although externalizing and anxiety problems were significantly associated with cognitive and language scores on unadjusted analysis, the relationships were not significant after adjusting for socio-economic factors. CBCL scores were similar for boys and girls, with the exception of the pervasive developmental problem scale; boys had significantly more problems than girls (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that parent reported behavior problems were related to lower cognitive, language, and motor development in toddlers born extremely preterm. Early findings of behavioral problems in toddlers born extremely premature may help identify children at greater risk for later learning difficulties. Adding a measure of behavior to the evaluation of these children may help better understand factors that can contribute to delays, especially in cognition and language.

DOI10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.11.007
Alternate JournalEarly Hum Dev
PubMed ID30522091
PubMed Central IDPMC6425758
Grant ListUG1 HD068263 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
U10 HD021373 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UL1 TR001111 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD068270 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD053089 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD027856 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD034216 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD027904 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD027880 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UL1 TR001117 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD053109 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD027851 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
U10 HD036790 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD068244 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD027853 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD087229 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD040689 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD068284 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD021385 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD040492 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD021364 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
UG1 HD068278 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
U24 HD095254 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States