A recent study led by researchers at Cincinnati Children’s reveals that preterm infants born to mothers with high blood pressure during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, are more likely to exhibit signs of brain injury at birth and experience neurodevelopmental delays by age two. The findings, published on April 29, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, highlight the need for early interventions to mitigate long-term cognitive and language deficits.
The study analyzed over 340 preterm infants from five Ohio neonatal intensive care units. Researchers found that toddlers born to mothers with hypertensive disorders, particularly preeclampsia, scored lower on cognitive and language assessments compared to their peers. These delays, though sometimes subtle, could escalate over time without supportive therapies, potentially affecting school readiness and academic performance.
Dr. Nehal Parikh, the study’s senior author, emphasized, “Even slight early disadvantages can compound, especially without interventions like speech or occupational therapy.” The adverse effects are attributed to reduced placental blood flow, oxygen deprivation, and inflammation, which disrupt brain development.
Hypertensive disorders complicate up to 15% of pregnancies globally, with preeclampsia affecting 2%–5%. While prior research on preterm infants yielded mixed results, this study controlled for confounding variables, confirming significant associations between maternal hypertension and neurodevelopmental risks.
The team advocates for early MRI scans to detect white matter abnormalities in affected infants and calls for clinical trials to explore preventive therapies. Dr. Shipra Jain, the lead author, noted, “Early identification enables targeted interventions, improving long-term outcomes.”
This research underscores the lasting impact of maternal hypertension on preterm infants’ brain health. By integrating early screening and therapeutic support, healthcare systems can help bridge developmental gaps for these vulnerable children.
Add comment