Research areas: Developmental pathways leading to developmental psychopathology, social and emotional development, biological at risk children (very preterm children), school and sibling bullying, infant regulatory problems (crying, feeding, sleeping) and parenting.

Bavarian Longitudinal Study (BLS) Project Website

Preterm Birth/Low Birth Weight and Markers Reflective of Wealth in Adulthood: A Meta-analysis

Preterm birth and/or low birth weight (PT/LBW) increases the risk of cognitive deficits, which suggests an association between PT/LBW and lower wealth in adulthood. Nevertheless, studies have revealed inconsistent findings so far.

The objectives of this study was to systematically investigate whether PT/LBW is associated with markers of adulthood wealth.

Cognitive trajectories from infancy to early adulthood following birth before 26 weeks of gestation: a prospective, population-based cohort study

What is already known on this topic?

  • The most common neurologic impairment in children born extremely preterm is in cognitive function.
  • Cognitive development has been well described in infancy and early childhood but the trajectory into early adulthood is unknown.

What this study adds?

  • Impaired cognitive function evident in infancy persists into early adulthood among individuals born extremely preterm, with no evidence of substantial recovery or deterioration.
  • Cognitive test scores in infancy and early childhood reflect early adult outcomes.
  • Male sex and moderate/severe neonatal brain injury has an adverse effect on cognitive trajectories in individuals born extremely preterm.