Open access
Preterm Risk Factors, Epigenetic Age, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
R. Christensen
Chaini Konwar
Beryl C. Zhuang
J. MacIsaac
V. Chau
M. Cizmeci
L. Ly
T. Guo
H. Branson
M. Kobor
R. Grunau
S. Miller
Medicine
Abstract
Key Points Question What is the association among preterm risk factors, epigenetic aging, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born preterm? Findings In this cohort study with 102 children, epigenetic aging, higher maternal education level, extreme prematurity, and severe brain injury were associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes. The association between epigenetic aging and motor outcomes was modified by severe brain injury. Meaning The findings suggests that the association between epigenetic aging and neurodevelopment among children born preterm is context dependent and can vary based on the presence of preterm risk factors.