Pre-term babies more at risk of attention disorders

(ANSA) - ROME - Being born a few weeks early increases the risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).

This is what emerges from a study by Rutgers University, published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

The study analyzed data on about 1,400 children born in the United States between 1998 and 2000 and in a 9-year follow-up matched them with the elements that emerged from interviews with mothers and teachers, who were asked to evaluate their students using a rating scale that includes symptoms of hyperactivity, ADHD, oppositional behavior, and cognitive problems or inattention.

The analysis found that children born at 37-38 weeks had significantly higher scores on the teacher rating scales for hyperactivity, ADHD, and cognitive problems or inattention than children at 39-41 weeks.

Specifically, the researchers found that each additional week of full-term gestational age corresponded to a 5-6% reduction in hyperactivity, Adhd, and cognitive impairment scores.

Birth at 37-38 weeks was associated with 23% higher hyperactivity scores and 17% higher Adhd scores compared to birth at 39-41 weeks.

"The findings add to existing evidence recommending delaying elective deliveries up to at least 39 weeks of gestation and suggest that regular screenings for ADHD symptoms are important for babies born between weeks 37 and 38," he said. stated Nancy E. Reichman, one of the authors of the study.

(HANDLE).