Visual function correlates with neurodevelopment in a population cohort of school-aged children born extremely preterm

Abstract

Aim: To investigate visual function and neurodevelopment in a geographically defined population cohort of school-aged children born extremely preterm. Methods: All children born extremely preterm in Central Norway between 2006 and 2011 (n=65) were identified, and 36 (median age, min/max: 13, 10/16) were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (four spatial frequencies), parent-reported challenges and neuropsychological testing in learning, executive functions, motor skills, perception, reaction time, working and visual memory, pro- cessing speed, and pattern separation were measured. Brain MRI (3T) was acquired and read by a neuroradiologist. Results: Median (min/max) BCVA letter score was 85 (35/91) in the better and 82 (13/89) in the worse eye. ROP participants (n=7) had lower contrast sensitivity in the two highest spatial frequencies (p = 0.024 and p = 0.004). Parent-reported challenges correlated negatively with BCVA (learning: p = 0.014; executive functions: p = 0.002; motor skills: p = 0.000; and perception: p = 0.001), while motor skills correlated nega- tively with one (p = 0.010) and perception with two (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009) of four spatial frequencies. Neuropsychological tests were reduced relative to norms. None had MRI-verified preterm brain injury. Conclusion: Visual function was subnormal and correlated with parent-reported chal- lenges in a small cohort of extremely preterm school-aged children, indicating that visual function may be a marker of neurodevelopmental outcomes.