Developmental Trajectories and Brain Markers of Language in Very Preterm Children

This longitudinal study investigated language development from 2 to 13 years and the early determinants for poorer language outcomes in children born very preterm. Language function was poorer in very preterm children compared with their peers, with no evidence of catch-up or decline from 2 to 13 years. Five distinct language trajectories revealed that 40% of very preterm children displayed adverse language development across childhood. Socio-environmental factors had important associations with language development, while biological risk factors had negligible influences. Language remains an important area of consideration for very preterm children and this research informs long-term management and intervention strategies.