Cognitive functioning, verbal memory performance, and ADHD-related symptoms in late-preterm children

Background: Preterm infants have a higher risk for low intelligence quotient (IQ) levels, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and verbal memory problems compared to full term infants. However, still there is limited evidence regarding the late preterm group, which accounts for the largest group of prematurely born children. Objectives/aims: To compare IQ levels, ADHD symptoms, and verbal memory performance between children born late preterm and full-term. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with prospective follow-up assessments, included 100 children who are 8–11 years old, 69 were born full term and 31 were born in the late preterm period, each child underwent evaluation by a specialized clinical psychologist, which included an IQ test, assessment for symptoms of ADHD and auditory memory problems. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in general IQ scores, including verbal and performance scores (p = 0.13, 0.91, and 0.14 respectively). In the subtest analysis, the preterm group demonstrated lower performance in the Similarities subtest (p = 0.005, OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.37–0.84). There was no significant difference in Rey auditory verbal memory performance, p-value results ranged between 0.08 and 0.91. ADHD assessment questionnaires filled out by the parents and teachers showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.96, 0.47 respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that late preterm children have comparable IQ levels, ADHD symptoms, and verbal memory performance to those born at full term.