title: [Cognitive development of premature children at school age: a proposal for a hierarchical model to investigate risk factors].
abstract: Cognitive impairment is a neurodevelopmental sequela that is more prevalent in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature children. There are few Brazilian studies on this group's cognitive development at school age. The current study proposes a theoretical discussion on the determinants of cognitive development at school age in VLBW preterm children, using a hierarchical analytical model. According to this model, biological and environmental factors interrelate on several levels (distal, intermediate, and proximal), resulting in changes in cognitive development. The aim is to investigate the possible mediation of variables and their interrelationships and the resulting events that could lead to cognitive impairment as the outcome. Selection of risk factors was based on a literature review of factors associated with adverse cognitive outcomes. Better understanding of the interrelationships between these factors could lead to more appropriate prevention and intervention in this group, thereby increasing their chances of educational and social inclusion.
authors.affiliation: Maternidade Leila Diniz, Hospital Municipal Lourenço Jorge, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
authors.forename: Maura Calixto Cecherelli de
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Rosane Reis de
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Mello
authors.forename: Kátia Silveira da
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Márcia Lazaro de
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Carvalho
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors