BACKGROUND Language is a complex neurodevelopmental phenomenon. Approximately 45% of children born very preterm (VP) show mild-to-severe language problems throughout childhood. Nevertheless, in most hospitals in Europe language functions are not routinely assessed at follow-up. OBJECTIVE To give clear indications for extensive language assessment in school-aged children born VP, based on routinely assessed intelligence and behavioral problems. METHOD Language functions of 63 10-year-old children born VP (<32 weeks' gestation) without major handicaps were compared to their intellectual and executive functions and behavioral problems. Using multiple linear regression analyses, the predictive value of perinatal factors and the association with neurodevelopmental factors of low language were measured. RESULTS The mean language score was significantly lower than the verbal intelligent quotient (VIQ; mean difference = 6.4, p < .001, d=.48) and the mean vocabulary knowledge (mean difference = 9.3, p < .001, d=.70). Besides, VIQ (β = .649, p = .001) and performance IQ (PIQ; β = .260, p = .035) were significantly associated with language scores. Significant predictors of language scores were number of days of assisted ventilation (β = -.592, p = .015) and mother's vocabulary knowledge (β =.473, p = .014), rather than mother's educational level (β =.139, p = .956). CONCLUSIONS Children born VP had language problems that were not expected from their significantly higher VIQ and vocabulary knowledge. Clinicians assessing these children should be aware of possible language problems, which cannot be detected with a simple vocabulary task. Our findings provide evidence of the need for adequate language assessments by a speech-language pathologist in children born VP, especially in those with VIQ scores in the low average range.

中文翻译：

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早产儿随访中语言功能值得更多关注

背景语言是一种复杂的神经发育现象。大约 45% 的极早产儿 (VP) 在整个童年时期都表现出轻度至重度的语言问题。然而，在欧洲的大多数医院中，语言功能在随访时并未进行常规评估。目的：根据常规评估的智力和行为问题，对出生 VP 的学龄儿童进行广泛的语言评估提供明确的指示。方法 将 63 名 10 岁出生的无重大障碍的 VP（<32 周）儿童的语言功能与他们的智力和执行功能以及行为问题进行比较。使用多元线性回归分析，测量围产期因素的预测价值以及与低语度神经发育因素的关联。结果 平均语言分数显着低于言语智商（VIQ；平均差异 = 6.4，p < .001，d=.48）和平均词汇知识（平均差异 = 9.3，p < .001，d=. 70)。此外，VIQ (β = .649, p = .001) 和表现智商 (PIQ; β = .260, p = .035) 与语言分数显着相关。语言分数的重要预测因素是辅助通气天数 (β = -.592, p = .015) 和母亲的词汇知识 (β =.473, p = .014)，而不是母亲的教育水平 (β =.139 , p = .956)。结论 出生于 VP 的儿童有语言问题，这与他们显着更高的 VIQ 和词汇知识是不相称的。评估这些儿童的临床医生应该意识到可能存在的语言问题，这些问题无法通过简单的词汇任务检测到。