Abstract
ObjectiveInfection of the placenta has been associated with preterm birth as well as neurocognitive impairment. This study aimed to determine whether specific bacterial species in the placenta of extremely preterm pregnancies are associated with neurological deficits later in life.Study DesignUsing data from 807 children in the ELGAN study the risks of a low score on six neurological assessments in relation to 15 different microbes were quantified with odds ratios.ResultsThe presence of certain microbial species in the placenta was associated with lower scores on numerical and oral language assessments. Lactobacillus sp. was associated with decreased risk of a low oral language score and a composite measure of IQ and executive function.ConclusionPlacental microorganisms were associated with neurocognitive, but not social-communicative, outcomes at age 10. In contrast, the presence of the anti-inflammatory Lactobacillus sp. in the placenta was associated with a lower risk of impaired neurocognitive functions.
Highlights
Children born preterm, before 37 weeks, are at a higher risk for neurocognitive impairment [1]
We assess the neurological development of the ELGAN children at 10 years of age in relation to placental microbes. The goal of these analyses is to provide insights into whether microorganisms in the placenta are associated with long-term neurocognitive development and social-communicative behavior
In order to determine whether placental microorganisms are associated with neurocognitive and social-communicative function at age 10, separate logistic regression models were performed for 15 bacteria species or groups isolated including: Lactobacillus sp., Prevotella bivia, Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobic Streptococcus, Peptostreptococcus sp., Escherichia coli, alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus, The placentas of 807 of the 889 ELGAN subjects who participated in the 10-year follow-up assessment were analyzed for culturable microorganisms
Summary
Before 37 weeks, are at a higher risk for neurocognitive impairment [1]. While most studies focus on intelligence quotient (IQ), children born preterm exhibit impairment in multiple domains of neurodevelopment including motor function [2], executive function [4], social cognition [5], language skills [6], and mathematical ability [7]. These cognitive deficits tend to co-occur in preterm children [2]. As prenatal care continues to Neurocognitive and social-communicative function of children born very preterm at 10 years of age:
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