Determinants of neurodevelopment in early childhood - results from the Copenhagen prospective studies on asthma in childhood (COPSAC2010 ) mother-child cohort

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to identify possible pre- and postnatal factors influencing neurodevelopment of the young child.

Methods: We used data from the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 (COPSAC₂₀₁₀ ) mother-child cohort, but excluded those with a neurological diagnosis, born <37 weeks of gestation and birthweights <2500 g, resulting in 650 children analysed. Neurodevelopment was assessed as age of achievement of early milestones, language scores at 1 and 2 years and cognitive score at 2 ½ years of age.

Results: Neurodevelopmental scores were not associated with breastfeeding, persistent wheeze, eczema and number of sick days (p > 0.05 in all tests). Early age at milestone achievement was associated with male sex (p = 0.05), lower maternal age (p = 0.02), higher gestational age (p < 0.001) and paternity leave (p = 0.01). A higher 1-year language score was associated with female sex (p = 0.02) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (p = 0.01) and a higher 2-year language score with female sex (p < 0.001) and being first born (p = 0.01). A higher cognitive score was associated with female sex (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental scores were unrelated to breastfeeding, persistent wheeze, eczema and number of sick days. Neurodevelopment in early childhood was mostly associated with gender.

Keywords: Cognitive development; Language development; Motor development; Neurological development.