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Steroids given to help premature babies develop may also be slightly increasing the risk of mental health disorders, say researchers.
The drugs are often given to pregnant mothers at risk of a premature birth to help the baby's lungs prepare for life outside the womb.
The study, in the journal PLoS One, showed there was a higher risk of attention disorders at age eight.
The charity Bliss said it reinforced the need for regular health checks.
Being born too soon can lead to long-term health problems and the earlier the birth the greater the problems.
One immediate issue is the baby's lungs being unprepared to breathe air. Steroids can help accelerate lung development.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25052948
The drugs are often given to pregnant mothers at risk of a premature birth to help the baby's lungs prepare for life outside the womb.
The study, in the journal PLoS One, showed there was a higher risk of attention disorders at age eight.
The charity Bliss said it reinforced the need for regular health checks.
Being born too soon can lead to long-term health problems and the earlier the birth the greater the problems.
One immediate issue is the baby's lungs being unprepared to breathe air. Steroids can help accelerate lung development.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25052948