Behavioural problems at the age of eleven years in preterm-born children with or without fetal brain sparing: A prospective cohort study

Abstract 

Background

In severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to placental insufficiency a haemodynamic adaptation occurs, resulting in preferential blood flow to the fetal brain (brain sparing). With Doppler ultrasound an increased ratio between the umbilical and the cerebral artery pulsatility index (U/C ratio) can be demonstrated. IUGR is associated with impaired neurodevelopmental outcome.

Objective

Evaluation of the effect of fetal brain sparing on behavioural problems at eleven years in premature born children.

Methods

Prospective cohort study in premature children born in 1989, with a gestational age of 26 0/7 to 33 0/7weeks. An U/C ratio>0.72 was defined as brain sparing. Behavioural problems were assessed with the parent-reported Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) and the Teacher's Report Form (TRF). T scores >60 for total problem score and subscales of internalizing and externalizing behaviour, were considered abnormal.

Results

Ninety-eight of the 116 survivors were assessed, of which 31 with antenatally established fetal brain sparing. According to the CBCL-total problem score 23.3% of the premature born babies in the brain sparing group had behavioural problems compared with 22.8% of those without brain sparing. According to the TRF-total problem score the percentages were 21.4% and 20.0%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis failed to show a significant association of U/C ratio with behavioural problems. In this model oxygen dependency at 28days, IQ<85 at five years, cranial ultrasound abnormalities, fetal growth ratio<0.80, Apgar scores<7 after 5min and birth weight<p10 contributed significantly.

Conclusion

In this cohort brain sparing itself has no significant association with behavioural problems at eleven years.

Keywords: Fetal brain sparing, Behavioural problems, Intra uterine growth restriction, Very low birth weight infant