Predictors of Cognitive Defects and Its Prevention Capabilities in Premature Infants

Abstract

The article summarizes the materials of modern publications on cognitive development of premature infants in connection with perinatal factors and parenting conditions. Leading risk predictors of cognitive defects in premature infants are severe dysmaturity by the time of birth (gestational age <27 weeks) and need for intensive care during the first weeks of life. The data of longitudinal researches of the premature infants’ development until reaching their adulthood is presented. The structure of cognitive defects in this population is studied. The most common problems were revealed in learning mathematics, operational memory and purposeful behavior and activity. Frequency of these cognitive defects is associated with both: stage of prematurity social problems of the family. Modern neurovisualization methods (diffusion weighted imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain) allows to identify the defects in child nervous system (Connectome) development already at the age of 18 months. It can be the substrate of cognitive defects, and it will allow to predict individual development pathway and implement direct corrections and interventions.

Keywords

• premature infants
• cognitive development
• intensive care
• neurovisualization
• cognitive defects
• rehabilitation