The Preterm Phenotype

Wolke and collaborators investigate the long term consequences of being born preterm (<37 weeks gestation) on the children and their families. Wolke and his collaborators identified a phenotype affecting around a quarter of those born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation). These include significant increased motor problems such as cerebral palsy, general cognitive deficits, learning difficulties, increased rate of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in particular attention problems; increased anxiety disorder and depression disorder  and increased rates of autistic symptoms and social relationship problems with peers. These problems tend to last into adulthood, affect the health related quality of life of those born very preterm and their life chances in terms of economic independence, personality and finding a life partner. The functional differences are related to alterations in brain anatomy, activity patterns and networks.
Wolke and collaborators in Europe and around the world are working on identifying ways to improve the care of preterm infants and supporting their development into adulthood.