Executive Function in Infants and Toddlers Born Low Birth Weight and Preterm

Abstract

Infants born low birth weight (LBW) and preterm were evaluated in a high-risk follow-up clinic and compared with infants born full term. A multivariate linear model was used to examine the overall differences on Bayley Scales of Infant Toddler Development (BSID-III) among three groups: full term, heavy LBW (<2,500 g ≥2,000 g), light LBW (<2,000 g). Results indicated no significant differences in BSID-III scores between the groups. The BSID-III was used to extrapolate indicators of executive function (EF) components. Dimensions of Mastery Motivation (DMQ 18) was correlated with the EF components. Findings showed that both LBW groups scored significantly lower than the full-term group on the EF components which include attention, plan/organize, working memory, and inhibit. Implications for research is discussed.

Assessment of Mastery Motivation and Neurodevelopment of Young Children at High Risk for Developmental Delays

“…Multivariate analyses of score differences revealed that infants born with VLBW scored lower than their peers with heavier birth weights on both the DMQ18 negative reaction to challenge—frustration/anger and all scales of the BSID-III except the expressive language subscale. This finding is not surprising, as there is low item density for expressive language on the BSID-III, especially during the infant years ( Blasco et al 2020 ). The mean age of infants included in this study was 10 months.…”

“…There have been long-standing concerns that the BSID-III provides higher-than-anticipated scores when correcting for prematurity (Anderson et al 2010;Duncan et al 2015;Hack et al 2005). In a later study, Blasco et al (2020) found no differences in BSID-III scores for 6-month-olds born with LBW and between preterm and full-term peers. However, differences were noted in DMQ18 cognitive and social persistence.…”

“…Medical experts and educators held the belief for a considerable period that low-birth-weight (LBW) or preterm infants who did not have significant cerebral damage would catch up with their peers in terms of development once they became medically stable ( French 2017 ). However, several studies have demonstrated that these children are at a higher risk of developing conditions related to pervasive developmental disorders, experiencing developmental delays, and facing more complex language and cognitive challenges, including deficits in executive function (EF) ( Aarnoudse-Moens et al 2009 ; Barre et al 2011 ; Blasco et al 2020 ; Duvall et al 2015 ; Guarini et al 2009 ; Hutchinson et al 2013 ; Lee et al 2011 ). Saigal and Doyle ( 2008 ) found that most studies of infants with very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) reported ongoing difficulties related to cognitive impairment and academic underachievement.…”

“…In the investigation of the predictive value of the BSID-III with respect to the development of very preterm/very low-birth-weight children, one study ( dos Santos et al 2013 ) found that children’s motor scale scores on the Bayley scale had a moderate predictive value with respect to their later motor functions. Furthermore, the BSID-III is still widely used in follow-up clinics that serve as a primary referral source to EI ( Blasco et al 2020 ; Tang et al 2012 ; Wang et al 2017 ). It is also the most commonly applied method for assessment of children’s developmental aspects.…”