| Abstract: | Aim To unravel risk predictors for impaired numerical skills at 5 years of age in a population‐based cohort of very preterm infants. Methods Between January 2003 and August 2006, we prospectively enrolled all infants born in Tyrol with <32 weeks of gestation. A total of 161 of 223 preterm infants (participation rate 72.2%) had a detailed examination at 5 years of age including cognitive assessment (Hannover‐Wechsler Intelligence Test for preschool children, third edition (HAWIVA‐III) or Snijders‐Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test (SON‐R)). In 135 children, numerical abilities were assessed with the dyscalculia test TEDI‐MATH. The association between pre‐ and postnatal factors and impaired numerical skills was analyzed by means of logistic regression analysis. Results Dyscalculia test showed delayed numerical skills (TEDI‐MATH Sum T‐score <40) in 27 of 135 children tested (20.0%). In half of the children tested, delayed numerical abilities were related to lower IQ scores. Smoking in pregnancy, intracerebral haemorrhage and chronic lung disease were predictive of delayed numerical skills at 5 years of age in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion This study identified risk predictors for impaired numerical skills in preterm infants. Our data support the role of both pre‐ and perinatal factors in the evolution of mathematical deficits. |
