Tiniest preemies struggle with school and adult life

Two new studies show that although extremely pre-term infants now have much better chances of survival, many of them still face challenges in school and in later life, reports Reuters.

Jill Zwicker, a UBC pediatrics researcher who wasn’t involved in the studies, says one factor might be the medical procedures performed on these babies.

“At this time of rapid brain development, these infants are exposed to procedures for their medical care, such as heel pokes to draw blood, tube insertions to help them breathe, medications etc.,” said Zwicker. “Exposure to these invasive procedures is associated with slower brain development and poorer cognitive outcomes.”

A similar article appeared on Fox News and CBC News.