Key Points Question Does the association of brain injury with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm neonates vary by the socioeconomic status of the parents? Findings In this cohort study of 226 preterm neonates, cognitive and motor outcomes were associated with different prenatal and postnatal clinical factors, with maternal education and brain injury having similar effect sizes for cognitive outcomes. Importantly, cognitive scores in preterm children in the higher-status group did not differ between those with and without brain injury. Meaning Maternal education is associated with cognitive outcome in preterm neonates, with higher status appearing to attenuate the association of brain injury with neurodevelopmental outcome.

Severe ROP is associated with maturational delay in the optic radiations, PLIC, external capsule and posterior white matter, housing the primary visual and motor pathways, and is associated with poorer cognitive and motor outcomes at 18 months' CA.