EEG Profile Associated with the Developmental Outcomes of Preschool Children Born Very Preterm

BackgroundPreschool children born preterm are at risk of developmental delay and cognitive deficits. However, the neurocognitive underpinnings of the cognitive deficits in preterm children remain unclear.AimsThis study aimed to compare quantitative EEG (qEEG) profiles and cognitive function between preterm and full-term children aged 4 to 6 years.MethodChildren's cognitive ability was assessed using the Griffiths Development Scales-Chinese (GDS-C). Resting-state EEG was recorded, and spectrum analysis was conducted. In addition to conventional band power analysis, aperiodic components (exponent and offset) and center frequency of the dominant oscillatory peak were calculated by fitting oscillations and one-over-f (FOOOF).ResultsThe study recruited 28 preterm-born children (15 girls, mean age = 62.14 months, SD = 7.31) and17 age-matched full-term children (7 girls, mean age = 59.8 months, SD = 8.49) Preterm children showed significantly elevated aperiodic offset and exponent. They also exhibited significantly slower center frequency of the dominant oscillatory peak and higher delta and theta band power compared to full-term children.ConclusionPreterm children demonstrated elevated aperiodic offset and exponent and slower center frequency of the dominant oscillatory peak compared to full-term children, at preschool age. These findings suggest that preschool children born preterm may exhibit less efficient functional neural connections and delayed brain maturation.