Impact of Suspected Preterm Labor during Pregnancy on Cardiometabolic Profile and Neurodevelopment during Childhood: A Prospective Cohort Study Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Suspected preterm labor (SPL), defined as the presence of regular and painful uterine contractions and cervical shortening, represents a prenatal insult with potential long-term consequences. However, despite recent evidence demonstrating suboptimal neurodevelopment at 2 years in this population, it remains underestimated as a significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders or other chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of suspected preterm labor during pregnancy on cardiometabolic profile and neurodevelopment during childhood (6–8 years). Methods and analysis: Prospective cohort study including children whose mothers suffered suspected preterm labour during pregnancy and paired controls. Neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular, and metabolic assessments will be performed at 6–8 years of age. A trained psychologist will carry out the neurodevelopment assessment including intelligence, visual perception, and behavioral assessment. Body composition and physical fitness assessment will be performed by one trained pediatrician and nurse. Finally, cardiovascular evaluation, including echocardiography and blood pressure, will be performed by two pediatric cardiologists. Data regarding perinatal and postnatal characteristics, diet, lifestyle, and weekly screen time of the child will be obtained from medical history and direct interviews with families. Primary outcome measures will include body mass index and adiposity, percentage of fat mass and total and regional lean mass, bone mineral content and density, cardiorespiratory resistance, isometric muscle strength, dynamic lower body strength, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic function, general intelligence index, visuospatial working memory span, oculomotor control test, index of emotional, and behavioral problems.