Accelerated corpus callosum development in prematurity predicts improved outcome

Perinatal influences on academic achievement and the developing brain: a scoping systematic review

Introduction and methods

In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review, we identify and synthesize the findings of research in which neuroimaging and assessments of achievement have been used to examine the relationships among aspects of developmental programming, neurodevelopment, and achievement in reading and mathematics.

Results

Forty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. The majority examined the impact of prematurity (n = 32) and prenatal alcohol exposure (n = 13). Several prematurity studies reported a positive correlation between white-matter integrity of callosal fibers and executive functioning and/or achievement, and white matter properties were consistently associated with cognitive and academic performance in preterm and full-term children. Volumetric studies reported positive associations between academic and cognitive abilities and white and gray matter volume in regions such as the insula, putamen, and prefrontal lobes. Functional MRI studies demonstrated increased right-hemispheric language processing among preterm children. Altered activation of the frontoparietal network related to numerical abilities was also reported. Prenatal alcohol exposure studies reported alterations in white matter microstructure linked to deficits in cognitive functioning and academic achievement, including mathematics, reading, and vocabulary skills. Volumetric studies reported reductions in cerebral, cerebellar, and subcortical gray matter volumes associated with decreased scores on measures of executive functioning, attention, working memory, and academic performance. Functional MRI studies demonstrated broad, diffuse activation, reduced activation in canonical regions, and increased activation in non-canonical regions during numeric tasks.

Discussion

A preponderance of studies linked prematurity and prenatal alcohol exposure to altered neurodevelopmental processes and suboptimal academic achievement. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Systematic review registration

Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZAN67.

Visual outcomes and their association with grey and white matter microstructure in adults born preterm with very low birth weight

Individuals born with very low birth weight (VLBW; < 1500 g) have a higher risk of reduced visual function and brain alterations. In a longitudinal cohort study, we assessed differences in visual outcomes and diffusion metrics from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 3 tesla in the visual white matter pathway and primary visual cortex at age 26 in VLBW adults versus controls and explored whether DTI metrics at 26 years was associated with visual outcomes at 32 years. Thirty-three VLBW adults and 50 term-born controls was included in the study. Visual outcomes included best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, P100 latency, and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy was extracted from seven regions of interest in the visual pathway: splenium, genu, and body of corpus callosum, optic radiations, lateral geniculate nucleus, inferior-fronto occipital fasciculus, and primary visual cortex. On average the VLBW group had lower contrast sensitivity, a thicker retinal nerve fibre layer and higher axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity in genu of corpus callosum and higher radial diffusivity in optic radiations than the control group. Higher fractional anisotropy in corpus callosum areas were associated with better visual function in the VLBW group but not the control group.

Corpus callosum long-term biometry in very preterm children related to cognitive and motor outcomes

BACKGROUND

The corpus callosum (CC) is suggested as an indirect biomarker of white matter volume, which is often affected in preterm birth. However, diagnosing mild white matter injury is challenging.

METHODS

We studied 124 children born preterm (mean age: 8.4 ± 1.1 years), using MRI to assess CC measurements and cognitive/motor outcomes based on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-V (WPPSI-V) and Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2).

RESULTS

Children with normal outcomes exhibited greater height (10.2 ± 2.1 mm vs. 9.4 ± 2.3 mm; p = 0.01) and fractional anisotropy at splenium (895[680-1000] vs 860.5[342-1000]) and total CC length (69.1 ± 4.8 mm vs. 67.3 ± 5.1 mm; p = 0.02) compared to those with adverse outcomes. All measured CC areas were smaller in the adverse outcome group. Models incorporating posterior CC measurements demonstrated the highest specificity (83.3% Sp, AUC: 0.65) for predicting neurological outcomes. CC length and splenium height were the only linear measurements associated with manual dexterity and total MABC-2 score while both the latter and genu were related with Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient.

CONCLUSIONS

CC biometry in children born very preterm at school-age is associated with outcomes and exhibits a specific subregion alteration pattern. The posterior CC may serve as an important neurodevelopmental biomarker in very preterm infants.

IMPACT

The corpus callosum has the potential to serve as a reliable and easily measurable biomarker of white matter integrity in very preterm children. Estimating diffuse white matter injury in preterm infants using conventional MRI sequences is not always conclusive. The biometry of the posterior part of the corpus callosum is associated with cognitive and certain motor outcomes at school age in children born very preterm. Length and splenium measurements seem to serve as reliable biomarkers for assessing neurological outcomes in this population.

Neurodevelopmental Correlates of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Extremely Low-birth-weight Infants

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between impaired brain growth and structural brain abnormalities at term-equivalent age (TEA) and neurodevelopment in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants over the first 2 years.

METHODS

ELBW infants born from 2009 through 2018 and undergoing brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at TEA were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. MRI scans were reviewed using a validated quali-quantitative score, including several white and gray matter items. Neurodevelopment was assessed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months using the Griffiths scales. The independent associations between MRI subscores and the trajectories of general and specific neurodevelopmental functions were analyzed by generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

One hundred-nine ELBW infants were included. White matter volume reduction and delayed myelination were associated with worse general development (b = -2.33, P = .040; b = -6.88, P = .049 respectively), social skills (b = -3.13, P = .019; b = -4.79, P = .049), and eye-hand coordination (b = -3.48, P = .009; b = -7.21, P = .045). Cystic white matter lesions were associated with poorer motor outcomes (b = -4.99, P = .027), while white matter signal abnormalities and corpus callosum thinning were associated with worse nonverbal cognitive performances (b = -6.42, P = .010; b = -6.72, P = .021, respectively). Deep gray matter volume reduction correlated with worse developmental trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinctive MRI abnormalities correlate with specific later developmental skills. This finding may suggest that TEA brain MRI may assist with neurodevelopmental prediction, counseling of families, and development of targeted supportive interventions to improve neurodevelopment in ELBW neonates.

Corpus callosum structural characteristics in very preterm children and adolescents: Developmental trajectory and relationship to cognitive functioning

Previous studies suggest that structural alteration of the corpus callosum, i.e., the largest white matter commissural pathway, occurs after a preterm birth in the neonatal period and lasts across development. The present study aims to unravel corpus callosum structural characteristics across childhood and adolescence in very preterm (VPT) individuals, and their associations with general intellectual, executive and socio-emotional functioning. Neuropsychological assessments, T1-weighted and multi-shell diffusion MRI were collected in 79 VPT and 46 full term controls aged 6-14 years. Volumetric, diffusion tensor and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) measures were extracted on 7 callosal portions using TractSeg. A multivariate data-driven approach (partial least squares correlation) and a cohort-based age normative modelling approach were used to explore associations between callosal characteristics and neuropsychological outcomes. The VPT and a full-term control groups showed similar trends of white-matter maturation over time, i.e., increase FA and reduced ODI, in all callosal segments, that was associated with increase in general intellectual functioning. However, using a cohort-based age-related normative modelling, findings show atypical pattern of callosal development in the VPT group, with reduced callosal maturation over time that was associated with poorer general intellectual and working memory functioning, as well as with lower gestational age.

Correlation of abnormal brain changes with perinatal factors in very preterm infants based on diffusion tensor imaging

Background

It remains unclear whether very preterm (VP) infants have the same level of brain structure and function as full-term (FT) infants. In addition, the relationship between potential differences in brain white matter microstructure and network connectivity and specific perinatal factors has not been well characterized.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the existence of potential differences in brain white matter microstructure and network connectivity between VP and FT infants at term-equivalent age (TEA) and examine the potential association of these differences with perinatal factors.

Methods

A total of 83 infants were prospectively selected for this study: 43 VP infants (gestational age, or GA: 27–32 weeks) and 40 FT infants (GA: 37–44 weeks). All infants at TEA underwent both conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Significant differences in white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) images between the VP and FT groups were observed using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). The fibers were tracked between each pair of regions in the individual space, using the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) atlas. Then, a structural brain network was constructed, where the connection between each pair of nodes was defined by the number of fibers. Network-based statistics (NBS) were used to examine differences in brain network connectivity between the VP and FT groups. Additionally, multivariate linear regression was conducted to investigate potential correlations between fiber bundle numbers and network metrics (global efficiency, local efficiency, and small-worldness) and perinatal factors.

Results

Significant differences in FA were observed between the VP and FT groups in several regions. These differences were found to be significantly associated with perinatal factors such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), activity, pulse, grimace, appearance, respiratory (APGAR) score, gestational hypertension, and infection. Significant differences in network connectivity were observed between the VP and FT groups. Linear regression results showed significant correlations between maternal years of education, weight, the APGAR score, GA at birth, and network metrics in the VP group.

Conclusions

The findings of this study shed light on the influence of perinatal factors on brain development in VP infants. These results may serve as a basis for clinical intervention and treatment to improve the outcome of preterm infants.

Systemic postnatal corticosteroids and magnetic resonance imaging measurements of corpus callosum and cerebellum of extremely preterm infants

AIM

To compare the size of the corpus callosum (CC) and cerebellum on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans conducted at term equivalent age (TEA) in extremely preterm infants who received systemic postnatal corticosteroids (PCS) to extremely preterm infants who did not receive systemic PCS and determine the dose-dependent effects on these outcomes.

METHODS

Single-centre retrospective cohort study including extremely preterm infants (born < 26 weeks' gestation) who had MRI brain scans at TEA. CC and cerebellar measurements were evaluated by two radiologists who were blinded to steroid use and their independent measurements were averaged. Comparative analyses were conducted between exposed (to systemic PCS) and non-exposed groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-three extremely preterm infants with mean (SD) 24.9 (0.91) weeks' gestational age, 721.8 (156) g birthweight were included; 38 with systemic PCS exposure and 45 without exposure. After adjustment for birthweight and other significant neonatal morbidities, there was no significant difference noted in corpus callosum length (CCL) between unexposed and exposed groups (adjusted mean (SE) 39.5 (0.57) mm vs. 38.5 (0.62) mm; P = 0.29). Similarly, the ratios of CCL/fronto-occipital diameter (FOD) and CCL/biparietal diameter (BPD) were not significantly different between the groups (CCL/FOD (0.40 (0.01) vs. 0.41 (0.01); P = 0.70) and CCL/BPD (0.51 (0.01) vs. 0.52 (0.01); P = 0.62)). Finally, no significant differences in cerebellar measurements, such as vermian height (adjusted mean (SE) 24.0 (0.46) mm vs. 23.5 (0.51 mm); P = 0.47) and transcerebellar diameter (adjusted mean (SE) 49.3 (0.74) mm vs. 4.78 (0.82) mm; P = 0.22) were found. No dose-dependent effects of systemic PCS on CC and cerebellar measurements were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic PCS use in extremely preterm infants was not associated with a change in the CC and cerebellar measurements on MRI brain scan at TEA.

Neonatal brain abnormalities and brain volumes associated with goal setting outcomes in very preterm 13-year-olds

Executive dysfunction including impaired goal setting (i.e., planning, organization skills, strategic reasoning) is documented in children born very preterm (VP; <30 weeks/<1250 g), however the neurological basis for this impairment is unknown. This study sought to examine the relationship between brain abnormalities and brain volumes on neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and goal setting abilities of VP 13-year-olds. Participants were 159 children born VP in a prospective longitudinal study. Qualitative brain abnormality scores and quantitative brain volumes were derived from neonatal MRI brain scans (40 weeks' gestational age ± 2 weeks). Goal setting at 13 years was assessed using the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function Systems Tower Test, the Rey Complex Figure, and the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive System for Children Zoo Map and Six Part Test. A composite score was generated denoting overall performance on these goal setting measures. Separate regression models examined the association of neonatal brain abnormality scores and brain volumes with goal setting performance. There was evidence that higher neonatal white matter, deep grey matter and cerebellum abnormality scores were associated with poorer goal setting scores at 13 years. There was also evidence of positive associations between total brain volume, cerebellum, thalamic and cortical grey matter volumes and goal setting performance. Evidence for the associations largely persisted after controlling for potential confounders. Neonatal brain abnormality and brain volumes are associated with goal setting outcome in VP 13-year-olds. Used in conjunction with other clinical indicators, neonatal MRI may help to identify VP children at risk for later executive dysfunction.

Improved brain growth and microstructural development in breast milk-fed very low birth weight premature infants

AIM

Breast milk feeding is linked to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, though the mechanisms are not well understood. This study utilised quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) techniques to compare brain growth and white matter development in preterm infants receiving primarily breast milk versus formula feeds.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled infants born at very low birth weight (<1500 g) and <32 weeks gestational age and performed MRI at term-equivalent age. We utilised volumetric segmentation to calculate regional and total brain volumes and diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate white matter microstructural organisation. Daily nutritional data were extracted from the medical record.

RESULTS

Nutritional and MRI data were obtained for 68 infants admitted within the first week of life (44 breast milk and 24 formula). Breast milk-fed infants demonstrated significantly larger total brain volumes (P = .04) as well as volumes in the amygdala-hippocampus and cerebellum (P < .01) compared with formula-fed. Infants receiving breast milk also demonstrated greater white matter microstructural organisation in the corpus callosum, posterior limb of internal capsule and cerebellum (P < .01 to .03).

CONCLUSION

VLBW infants receiving primarily breast milk versus preterm formula in this small exploratory study demonstrated significantly greater regional brain volumes and white matter microstructural organisation by term-equivalent age.

Infant Corpus Callosum Size After Surgery and Critical Care for Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia: Qualitative and Quantitative MRI

Previous studies in preterm infants report white matter abnormalities of the corpus callosum (CC) as an important predictor of neurodevelopmental outcomes. Our cross-sectional study aimed to describe qualitative and quantitative CC size in critically ill infants following surgical and critical care for long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) - in comparison to healthy infants - using MRI. Non-sedated brain MRI was acquired for full-term (n = 13) and premature (n = 13) patients following treatment for LGEA, and controls (n = 20) <1 year corrected age. A neuroradiologist performed qualitative evaluation of T1-weighted images. ITK-SNAP was used for linear, 2-D and 3-D manual CC measures and segmentations as part of CC size quantification. Qualitative MRI analysis indicated underdeveloped CC in both patient groups in comparison to controls. We show no group differences in mid-sagittal CC length. Although 2-D results were inconclusive, volumetric analysis showed smaller absolute (F(2,42) = 20.40, p < 0.001) and normalized (F(2,42) = 16.61, p < 0.001) CC volumes following complex perioperative treatment for LGEA in both full-term and premature patients, suggesting delayed or diminished CC growth in comparison to controls, with no difference between patient groups. Future research should look into etiology of described differences, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and role of the CC as an early marker of neurodevelopment in this unique infant population.

Very preterm children at risk for developmental coordination disorder have brain alterations in motor areas

AIM

Brain alterations in very preterm children at risk for developmental coordination disorder were investigated.

METHODS

Infants born very preterm with gestation age <30 weeks or birthweight <1250 g were recruited from Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne from 2001 to 2003. Volumetric imaging was performed at term equivalent age; at seven years, volumetric imaging and diffusion tensor imaging were performed. At seven years, 53 of 162 children without cerebral palsy had scores ≤16th percentile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition and were considered at risk for developmental coordination disorder.

RESULTS

At term equivalent age, smaller brain volumes were found for total brain tissue, cortical grey matter, cerebellum, caudate accumbens, pallidum and thalamus in children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (p < 0.05); similar patterns were present at seven years. There was no evidence for catch-up brain growth in at-risk children. At seven years, at-risk children displayed altered microstructural organisation in many white matter tracts (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Infants born very preterm at risk for developmental coordination disorder displayed smaller brain volumes at term equivalent age and seven years, and altered white matter microstructure at seven years, particularly in motor areas. There was no catch-up growth from infancy to seven years.

Comparison of MRI and neurosonogram 1- and 2-dimensional morphological measurements of the newborn corpus callosum

BACKGROUND

Developmental abnormalities of the corpus callosum (CC) are linked to multiple neuro-developmental disorders, for which neonatal neuroimaging may allow earlier diagnosis and intervention. MRI is often considered the most sensitive imaging modality to white matter changes, while neurosonogram (NS) remains the clinical staple. This study assesses the correlation between MRI and US measurements of the neonatal CC using a protocol derived from established methodologies.

METHODS

MR and NS images from an existing cohort of term infants (≥37 weeks gestational age) were studied. Length and area measurements of the CC made with linear (LUS) and phased array US (PUS) data were compared to those from MRI. Intra-observer reliabilities were estimated.

RESULTS

Moderate-to-strong correlation strengths were observed for length measurements and the total area of the CC. Sectional area measurements showed poorer correlations. Bland-Altman plots support improved correspondence of length and total area measurements. LUS data appeared to correspond closer to MRI. All three modalities showed comparable repeatability.

CONCLUSION

NS correlates well with some MRI measurements of the CC and shows similar levels of repeatability, making them possibly interchangeable. Use of LUS, a technique rarely used for NS, may be preferable to the standard approach for morphological studies.

White matter microstructure correlates with mathematics but not word reading performance in 13-year-old children born very preterm and full-term

Individuals born very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks' gestational age) are at increased risk of impaired mathematics and word reading performance, as well as widespread white matter microstructural alterations compared with individuals born full term (FT; ≥37 weeks' gestational age). To date, the link between academic performance and white matter microstructure is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the associations between mathematics and reading performance with white matter microstructure in 114 VPT and 36 FT 13-year-old children. Additionally, we aimed to investigate whether the association of mathematics and reading performance with white matter microstructure in VPT children varied as a function of impairment. To do this, we used diffusion tensor imaging and advanced diffusion modelling techniques (Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and the Spherical Mean Technique), combined with a whole-brain analysis approach (Tract-Based Spatial Statistics). Mathematics performance across VPT and FT groups was positively associated with white matter microstructural measurements of fractional anisotropy and neurite density, and negatively associated with radial and mean diffusivities in widespread, bilateral regions. Furthermore, VPT children with a mathematics impairment (>1 standard deviation below FT mean) had significantly reduced neurite density compared with VPT children without an impairment. Reading performance was not significantly associated with any of the white matter microstructure parameters. Additionally, the associations between white matter microstructure and mathematics and reading performance did not differ significantly between VPT and FT groups. Our findings suggest that alterations in white matter microstructure, and more specifically lower neurite density, are associated with poorer mathematics performance in 13-year-old VPT and FT children. More research is required to understand the association between reading performance and white matter microstructure in 13-year-old children.

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Diffusion tensor and neurite density metrics were associated with mathematics.

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Associations were present in very preterm and full-term children.

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Associations were widespread throughout the white matter microstructure.

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Decreased neurite density was evident in children with a mathematics impairment.

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Limited evidence of associations between white matter microstructure and reading.

Altered transcallosal inhibition evidenced by transcranial magnetic stimulation highlights neurophysiological consequences of premature birth in early adulthood

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A very preterm birth can induce deleterious neurophysiological consequences beyond childhood; alterations of the corpus callosum (CC) are reported in adolescents born very preterm along with cognitive impairments. The question remains whether neurophysiological alterations are still detectable in adulthood such as an alteration in CC inhibitory function. The aim of the present study was thus to examine transcallosal inhibition in young adults born very preterm compared to counterparts born at term.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS & METHODS

Transcallosal inhibition was probed by measuring the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in 13 young adults born at 33w of gestation or less (20 ± 3. 2y) and 12 young adults born at term (22 ± 1. 75y). Single high-intensity TMS were delivered to the primary motor cortex (M1) ipsilateral to the preactivated first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle. Occurrence, latency, and duration of iSP were measured in the FDI EMG activity, for both hemispheres alternatively (10-12 trials each) along with their resting motor threshold (RMT).

RESULTS

In individuals born very preterm as compared to individuals born at term, ISP occurred less frequently (p < .0001), its latency was longer (p = .004), especially in the non-dominant hemisphere, its duration shorter (p < .0001), and RMT was higher in the non-dominant M1 than in the dominant.

CONCLUSIONS

Impairment of transcallosal inhibition along with asymmetry of M1 excitability in young adults born very preterm as compared to those born at term underline that neurophysiological consequences of a preterm birth can still be detected in early adulthood.

Caffeine for apnea of prematurity and brain development at 11 years of age

Objective

Caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity has been reported to improve brain white matter microstructure at term‐equivalent age, but its long‐term effects are unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether caffeine affects (1) brain structure at 11 years of age, and (2) brain development from term‐equivalent age to 11 years of age, compared with placebo.

Methods

Preterm infants born ≤1250 g were randomly allocated to caffeine or placebo. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 70 participants (33 caffeine, 37 placebo) at term‐equivalent age and 117 participants (63 caffeine, 54 placebo) at 11 years of age. Global and regional brain volumes and white matter microstructure were measured at both time points.

Results

In general, there was little evidence for differences between treatment groups in brain volumes or white matter microstructure at age 11 years. There was, however, evidence that the caffeine group had a smaller corpus callosum than the placebo group. Volumetric brain development from term‐equivalent to 11 years of age was generally similar between treatment groups. However, there was evidence that caffeine was associated with slower growth of the corpus callosum, and slower decreases in axial, radial, and mean diffusivities in the white matter, particularly at the level of the centrum semiovale, over time than placebo.

Interpretation

This study suggests any benefits of neonatal caffeine therapy on brain structure in preterm infants weaken over time and are not clearly detectable by MRI at age 11 years, although caffeine may have long‐term effects on corpus callosum development.

Neonatal erythropoietin mitigates impaired gait, social interaction and diffusion tensor imaging abnormalities in a rat model of prenatal brain injury

Children who are born preterm are at risk for encephalopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of cerebral palsy, cognitive delay and behavioral disorders. Current interventions are limited and none have been shown to reverse cognitive and behavioral impairments, a primary determinant of poor quality of life for these children. Moreover, the mechanisms of perinatal brain injury that result in functional deficits and imaging abnormalities in the mature brain are poorly defined, limiting the potential to target interventions to those who may benefit most. To determine whether impairments are reversible after a prenatal insult, we investigated a spectrum of functional deficits and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) abnormalities in young adult animals. We hypothesized that prenatal transient systemic hypoxia-ischemia (TSHI) would induce multiple functional deficits concomitant with reduced microstructural white and gray matter integrity, and tested whether these abnormalities could be ameliorated using postnatal erythropoietin (EPO), an emerging neurorestorative intervention. On embryonic day 18 uterine arteries were transiently occluded for 60min via laparotomy. Shams underwent anesthesia and laparotomy for 60min. Pups were born and TSHI pups were randomized to receive EPO or vehicle via intraperitoneal injection on postnatal days 1 to 5. Gait, social interaction, olfaction and open field testing was performed from postnatal day 25-35 before brains underwent ex vivo DTI to measure fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity. Prenatal TSHI injury causes hyperactivity, impaired gait and poor social interaction in young adult rats that mimic the spectrum of deficits observed in children born preterm. Collectively, these data show for the first time in a model of encephalopathy of prematurity that postnatal EPO treatment mitigates impairments in social interaction, in addition to gait deficits. EPO also normalizes TSHI-induced microstructural abnormalities in fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity in multiple regions, consistent with improved structural integrity and recovery of myelination. Taken together, these results show behavioral and memory deficits from perinatal brain injury are reversible. Furthermore, resolution of DTI abnormalities may predict responsiveness to emerging interventions, and serve as a biomarker of CNS injury and recovery.

White matter maturation in the neonatal brain is predictive of school age cognitive capacities in children born very preterm

AIM

To investigate the association between white matter organization in the neonatal brain and cognitive capacities at early school age in children born very preterm.

METHOD

Thirty children born very preterm (gestational age median 27.5wks, interquartile range [IQR] 25.5-29.5; 18 males, 12 females) were included in this retrospective observational cohort study. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) had been performed on a 3T system in the neonatal period (median 41.3 [IQR 40.0-42.6]wks) and cognitive functioning was formally assessed at age 5 years and 7 months (IQR 5.4-5.9y) using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Structural connectivity maps were reconstructed from the DWI data using deterministic streamline tractography. Network metrics of global and local communication and mean fractional anisotropy of white matter pathways were related to IQ and processing speed at age 5 years using linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Mean fractional anisotropy was significantly related to Performance IQ at age 5 years (F=8.48, p=0.007). Findings persisted after adjustment for maternal education level.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings provide evidence that the blueprint of later cognitive achievement is already present at term-equivalent age and suggest that white matter connectivity strength may be a valuable predictor for long-term cognitive functioning.

Attention and Regional Gray Matter Development in Very Preterm Children at Age 12 Years

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the selective, sustained, and executive attention abilities of very preterm (VPT) born children in relation to concurrent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of regional gray matter development at age 12 years.

METHODS

A regional cohort of 110 VPT (≤32 weeks gestation) and 113 full term (FT) born children were assessed at corrected age 12 years on the Test of Everyday Attention-Children. They also had a structural MRI scan that was subsequently analyzed using voxel-based morphometry to quantify regional between-group differences in cerebral gray matter development, which were then related to attention measures using multivariate methods.

RESULTS

VPT children obtained similar selective (p=.85), but poorer sustained (p=.02) and executive attention (p=.01) scores than FT children. VPT children were also characterized by reduced gray matter in the bilateral parietal, temporal, prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, bilateral thalami, and left hippocampus; and increased gray matter in the occipital and anterior cingulate cortices (family-wise error-corrected p<.05). Poorer sustained auditory attention was associated with increased gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex (p=.04). Poor executive shifting attention was associated with reduced gray matter in the right superior temporal cortex (p=.04) and bilateral thalami (p=.05). Poorer executive divided attention was associated with reduced gray matter in the occipital (p=.001), posterior cingulate (p=.02), and left temporal (p=.01) cortices; and increased gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex (p=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Disturbances in regional gray matter development appear to contribute, at least in part, to the poorer attentional performance of VPT children at school age. (JINS, 2017, 23, 539-550).

Structural connectivity relates to perinatal factors and functional impairment at 7years in children born very preterm

OBJECTIVE

To use structural connectivity to (1) compare brain networks between typically and atypically developing (very preterm) children, (2) explore associations between potential perinatal developmental disturbances and brain networks, and (3) describe associations between brain networks and functional impairments in very preterm children.

METHODS

26 full-term and 107 very preterm 7-year-old children (born <30weeks' gestational age and/or <1250g) underwent T1- and diffusion-weighted imaging. Global white matter fibre networks were produced using 80 cortical and subcortical nodes, and edges were created using constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography. Global graph theory metrics were analysed, and regional networks were identified using network-based statistics. Cognitive and motor function were assessed at 7years of age.

RESULTS

Compared with full-term children, very preterm children had reduced density, lower global efficiency and higher local efficiency. Those with lower gestational age at birth, infection or higher neonatal brain abnormality score had reduced connectivity. Reduced connectivity within a widespread network was predictive of impaired IQ, while reduced connectivity within the right parietal and temporal lobes was associated with motor impairment in very preterm children.

CONCLUSIONS

This study utilised an innovative structural connectivity pipeline to reveal that children born very preterm have less connected and less complex brain networks compared with typically developing term-born children. Adverse perinatal factors led to disturbances in white matter connectivity, which in turn are associated with impaired functional outcomes, highlighting novel structure-function relationships.

Axon density and axon orientation dispersion in children born preterm

BACKGROUND

Very preterm birth (VPT, <32 weeks' gestation) is associated with altered white matter fractional anisotropy (FA), the biological basis of which is uncertain but may relate to changes in axon density and/or dispersion, which can be measured using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI). This study aimed to compare whole brain white matter FA, axon dispersion, and axon density between VPT children and controls (born ≥37 weeks' gestation), and to investigate associations with perinatal factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

METHODS

FA, neurite dispersion, and neurite density were estimated from multishell diffusion magnetic resonance images for 145 VPT and 33 control 7-year-olds. Diffusion values were compared between groups and correlated with perinatal factors (gestational age, birthweight, and neonatal brain abnormalities) and neurodevelopmental outcomes (IQ, motor, academic, and behavioral outcomes) using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, VPT children had lower FA and higher axon dispersion within many major white matter fiber tracts. Neonatal brain abnormalities predicted lower FA and higher axon dispersion in many major tracts in VPT children. Lower FA, higher axon dispersion, and lower axon density in various tracts correlated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in VPT children.

CONCLUSIONS

FA and NODDI measures distinguished VPT children from controls and were associated with neonatal brain abnormalities and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study provides a more detailed and biologically meaningful interpretation of white matter microstructure changes associated with prematurity. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3080-3102, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.