A new US study has proposed that premature infants are more likely to develop cognitive disorders like hypertension, autism and sensory dysfunctions than babies delivered in normal time.

For the study, the British researchers examined 219 preterm born babies for 11 years and observed that 12% of them suffered from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, 9% developed emotional problems and 8% reported Autism.

The study authors also proposed a three time augmented chances of cognitive disorders and a greater risk of behavioral swings in preterm babies.

Data for the present study was obtained from the EPICure Study that investigated kids in the age group of 1 to 11 years who had been born prematurely.

The researchers recommend early testing of cognitive functioning of preterm born babies for prevention of any serious disorders with age.

Dr. Joan Luby, a researcher associated with the study says, “New findings from the EPICure study, the largest and longest investigation of psychiatric outcomes in premature infants conducted to date, demonstrate marked increased behavioral risks in this population”.

He advises routine tests of such kids throughout their primary schooling as a key to understanding the mental and behavioral disorders at the earliest.

As preterm born babies are at a greater risk of mental impairments, parents should seek doctor’s advice in understanding the care that their child may need.

The study findings have been detailed in the May edition of the Journal American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.