OP01.03: Association of birthweight with neuropsychological functioning in early adolescence: a retrospective cohort study

This study was to compare small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age, LGA) infants have altered neuropsychological functioning in early adolescence. This retrospective cohort study utilised Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Children born of singleton pregnancy aged 9-11 years were enrolled. Their neuropsychological functioning in early adolescence were assessed by brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combining with cognitive and behavioural assessments. Covariates adjustment and subgroup analyses were performed. R (version 1.1-27.1) was applied for statistical analyses. From 1st September 2016 to 15th November 2018, a total of 5,922 children of singletons with complete information of birthweight and delivery week were recruited. Children born of low or large birthweight demonstrated similar cognitive and behavioural performance (P > 0.05). In the MRI measurement, brain area and volume were lower among SGA children (t = -5.626, Cohen's d = 0.448, P < 0.001; t = -6.071, Cohen's d = 0.427, P < 0.001); brain area and volume were higher among LGA children (t = 8.562, Cohen's d = 0.470, P < 0.001; t = 8.562, Cohen's d = 0.470, P < 0.001). Additionally, cortical thickness was of no statistical difference (P > 0.05). There was no evidence indicating that SGA and LGA infants are at increased risk of abnormal neuropsychological outcomes in early adolescence.