Executive Functioning Outcomes in 7 Year Old Survivors of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

Preterm birth (<37 weeks gestational age) is facing an upward trend, with increased survival rates. Some of these infants are at risk of developing severe medical conditions in the neonatal period, one of the most common being Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). To date, the literature suggests that preterm birth is associated with cognitive delay (namely, lower IQ) and that BPD may exacerbate cognitive dysfunction. Less is known about specific cognitive abilities such as executive functions. The role that BPD plays in the developmental trajectory of the preterm infant is surprisingly unknown. Determining how BPD maps onto executive functioning at school age is extremely important in identifying clear weaknesses and designing appropriate interventions for this population. This literature review provides an overview of preterm birth, and the health effects and neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with preterm birth.