Correlation between language disorders and maternal medical conditions in children with fetal distress: A cross-sectional neurolinguistic study in Bangladesh

Fetal distress due to maternal medical conditions during pregnancies can lead to significant neurodevelopment complications including language disorders. However, the relationship is largely understudied in developing countries like Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between maternal medical conditions and subsequent language disorders in children experiencing fetal distress in context of Bangladesh. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between June, 2021 to June, 2022 at Z.H. Sikder Women’s Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh. Eighty children between 4 to 12 years with documented histories of antenatal or intrapartum fetal distress were recruited and assessed for language disorder by experienced clinicians using standardized diagnostic criteria. SPSS Version 12 was used for statistical analysis. The mean age of children was 6.54 ± 1.9 years, with 70% being male. Most children (70%) lived in rural areas with parents of low socioeconomic status. The reported maternal medical conditions included hypertensive disorders (40%), diabetes mellitus (30%), hypothyroidism (20%), and malnutrition (10%). Language disorders included delayed language acquisition (90%), receptive/perceptive disorders (60%), motor speech production impairments (60%), metalinguistic competence disorders (70%), cognitive linguistic disorders (80%), and pragmatic disorders (80%). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations ( P < .05) between maternal medical conditions and all domains of language disorders. The results indicate significant relationship between maternal medical conditions, presence of fetal distress, and language disorders in children. Early identification and speech-language therapy during the neurodevelopment period could potentially improve outcomes.