Description

This work examines the long-term effects of premature
birth on children s neurodevelopment and psychosocial
functioning to determine the role corticosteroid
treatments play in influencing this development. 155
children who were born very prematurely, (31 weeks
gestation or less) were comprehensively assessed.
Results were analysed in terms of whether or not
steroid treatments were received after birth. In
order to control for genetic influences, 25
nearest-age siblings were also assessed in addition
to aspects of environment and parenting style.
Factors relating to family functioning, parental
mental health and demographic variables were
considered. The main outcome measures were cognitive
ability, behavioural competencies and behavioural
difficulties. There were significant group
differences indicating that steroids impact on
long-term outcomes. Environmental factors were also
strongly predictive of outcomes. It was concluded
that postnatal steroid administration has an impact
upon development which has been overlooked in much of
the literature, however, environmental factors such
as family functioning appear to have a key role in
these children s development.

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