Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes among preterm infants born to mothers with diabetes mellitus

Background The long-term effects of maternal diabetes on preterm infant neurodevelopment are unknown. This study aims to determine if there was an increased likelihood of neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants born to mothers with diabetes. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on preterm infants with neurodevelopmental evaluations at 18-36 months corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third edition. Results 680 former preterm infants were evaluated. There was no difference in cognitive, language, and motor scores. Infants born to diabetic mothers with AMA were significantly different in cognitive (adjusted-beta (a-beta),-7.24 [95%CI, -11.719 to -2.769]; P = 0.002) and language domains (a-beta,-7.783 [95%CI, -13.603 to -1.963]; (P = 0.009). Discussion There was no significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants exposed to maternal diabetes. Preterm infants born to mothers with diabetes and AMA demonstrated lower cognitive and language scores at 2 years corrected age.

Automated summary

This study found that preterm infants born to mothers with diabetes showed lower cognitive and language scores, but there was no significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to preterm infants without maternal diabetes.