Article

PURPOSE: To assess long-term impairments of executive functioning in adult
survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). METHOD: Participants were assessed
on measures of executive functioning, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and
social functioning. Survivors of BPD (n = 63; 34 males; mean age 24.2 years) were
compared with groups comprising preterm (without BPD) (<1500 g; n = 45) and
full-term controls (n = 63). Analysis of variance was used to explore differences
among groups for outcome measures. Multiple regression analyzes were performed to
identify factors predictive of long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Significantly more
BPD adults, compared with preterm and term controls, showed deficits in executive
functioning relating to problem solving (OR: 5.1, CI: 1.4-19.3), awareness of
behavior (OR: 12.7, CI: 1.5-106.4) and organization of their environment (OR:
13.0, CI: 1.6-107.1). Birth weight, HRQoL and social functioning were predictive
of deficits in executive functioning. CONCLUSIONS:
This study represents the
largest sample of survivors into adulthood of BPD and is the first to show that
deficits in executive functioning persist. Children with BPD should be assessed
to identify cognitive impairments and allow early intervention aimed at
ameliorating their effects. Implications for Rehabilitation Adults born preterm
with very-low birth weight, and particularly those who develop BPD, are at
increased risk of exhibiting defects in executive functioning. Clinicians and
educators should be made aware of the impact that BPD can have on the long-term
development of executive functions. Children and young adults identified as
having BPD should be periodically monitored to identify the need for possible intervention.

Langue : ANGLAIS