Rodrigues Maura Calixto Cecherelli de, Mello Rosane Reis de, Silva Kátia Silveira da, Carvalho Márcia Lazaro de
Maternidade Leila Diniz, Hospital Municipal Lourenço Jorge, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Cad Saude Publica. 2011 Jun;27(6):1154-64. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2011000600012.
Cognitive impairment is a neurodevelopmental sequela that is more prevalent in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature children. There are few Brazilian studies on this group's cognitive development at school age. The current study proposes a theoretical discussion on the determinants of cognitive development at school age in VLBW preterm children, using a hierarchical analytical model. According to this model, biological and environmental factors interrelate on several levels (distal, intermediate, and proximal), resulting in changes in cognitive development. The aim is to investigate the possible mediation of variables and their interrelationships and the resulting events that could lead to cognitive impairment as the outcome. Selection of risk factors was based on a literature review of factors associated with adverse cognitive outcomes. Better understanding of the interrelationships between these factors could lead to more appropriate prevention and intervention in this group, thereby increasing their chances of educational and social inclusion.
