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Cerebellum of the premature infant: rapidly developing, vulnerable, clinically important

Joseph J Volpe1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. joseph.volpe@childrens.harvard.edu

Journal of Child Neurology
|September 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cerebellar abnormality in premature infants is an underrecognized cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities, including cognitive and behavioral deficits. This review highlights cerebellar development and acquired abnormalities in preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Premature infant brain abnormalities lead to significant neurodevelopmental disabilities, primarily cognitive, behavioral, and attentional deficits.
  • Cerebral white matter injury is the most recognized neuropathology.
  • Acquired cerebellar abnormality is a less recognized but significant contributor to neurodevelopmental disability in premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review cerebellar development in premature infants.
  • To discuss acquired cerebellar abnormalities and their mechanisms.
  • To explore the link between early cerebellar disease and later neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of cerebellar development during the premature period.
  • Analysis of cerebellar abnormalities (destructive and underdevelopment).
  • Examination of direct and indirect effects on cerebellar development.

Main Results:

  • The cerebellum is particularly vulnerable during rapid development in premature infants.
  • Cerebellar underdevelopment is a common issue, influenced by direct and trans-synaptic effects.
  • Early cerebellar disease is increasingly linked to cognitive, behavioral, and attentional deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Acquired cerebellar abnormality is a critical, though often overlooked, factor in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants.
  • Understanding cerebellar development and vulnerability is key to addressing these disabilities.
  • Further research into cerebellar injury mechanisms and therapeutic interventions is warranted.

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