Clinical Report: Linking Preterm Birth to Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Pakistani Children

Overview

This study investigates the association between preterm birth and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in Pakistani children aged 2-6 years. Findings indicate a significantly higher prevalence of NDDs among preterm children.

Background

Preterm birth is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, with lasting impacts on neurodevelopment. In Pakistan, where preterm birth rates are high, this study adds valuable data to the limited evidence available from low- and middle-income countries regarding the association between prematurity and NDDs.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Preterm children had a higher prevalence of NDDs (25.8%) compared to full-term children (13.4%).
• Specific NDDs included autism spectrum disorder (5.8% vs 2.0%) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (7.9% vs 4.7%).
• Prevalence of NDDs increased with the severity of prematurity: extremely (55.6%), very (32.1%), and late preterm (23.9%).
• Multivariable analysis indicated that preterm birth was independently associated with NDDs (aOR=1.91).
• Children from low socioeconomic status households had the highest odds of NDDs when preterm (aOR=9.43).

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider socioeconomic factors when assessing developmental outcomes in this population.

Conclusion

This study shows the association between preterm birth and neurodevelopmental disorders in Pakistani children.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescents born very and extremely preterm: a prolonged follow-up from a single-center cohort
2. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2023 -- Early neurological and developmental trajectories of infants at high risk of cerebral palsy in Bangladesh: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
3. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2023 -- Assessment of the effects of ethnicity, home language, and socioeconomic status on neurodevelopmental performance in a multiethnic population
4. NICE, 2022 -- Recommendations | Developmental follow-up of children and young people born preterm | Guidance
5. WHO, 2022 -- WHO recommendations for care of the preterm or low-birth-weight infant
6. BMJ Paediatrics Open — Neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born to diabetic mothers in the Qatari population: a retrospective study
7. Recommendations | Developmental follow-up of children and young people born preterm | Guidance | NICE
8. Indian Pediatrics (2025) 62:554–573
9. WHO recommendations for care of the preterm or low-birth-weight infant
10. The prevalence of long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm-born children in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of developmental outcomes in 72 974 preterm-born children - PMC
11. Risk factors for autism spectrum disorder in individuals born preterm: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies - OuluREPO
12. Risk Factor Effects on Neurodevelopment at 2 Years in Very Preterm Children: A Systematic Review | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
13. Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Moderate to Late Preterm Infants: A Population at Risk | NeoReviews | American Academy of Pediatrics
14. Presumed etiology of preterm birth: brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcomes | Pediatric Research