IMPACT OF PREMATURITY ON NEUROMOTOR, COGNITIVE, SPEECH-LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT, ASSESSED BY BAYLEY III SCALE

Abstract

Preterm-born children represent a significant public health issue due to the increased risk of growth disorders as well as neurological and psychomotor developmental impairments. Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation. According to data from the World Health Organization in 2020, approximately 13.4 million children are born preterm each year worldwide, with prevalence rates ranging from 4% to 16% across different countries, meaning that nearly one in ten newborns is born prematurely. The etiology of preterm birth is multifactorial and includes maternal and placental risk factors. Maternal risk factors include physiological and social stress, systemic inflammation, pregnancy-related complications such as thyroid disorders and eclampsia, nutritional deficiencies (zinc, iron, folate), short interpregnancy intervals, vaginal bleeding, cervical insufficiency, previous surgical interventions, multiple pregnancies, unfavorable body mass index, as well as the use of alcohol and psychoactive substances. Placental causes include placenta previa, placental abruption, chorioamnionitis, umbilical cord complications, and premature rupture of membranes. Due to the increased risk of short- and long-term complications, continuous and systematic monitoring of the growth and development of preterm-born children plays a crucial role in the early detection of deviations and the implementation of appropriate preventive and therapeutic interventions, thereby improving the quality of life and long-term prognosis of this population.