Structural correlates of preterm birth in the adolescent brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for long-term neurodevelopmental challenges.
• Understanding the structural brain correlates of preterm birth is crucial for early intervention and improved outcomes.
• Previous studies have documented structural brain abnormalities in individuals born preterm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term structural brain differences in adolescents born preterm compared to term-born controls.
• To compare the findings with previous reports on similar cohorts.
• To identify specific brain regions affected by preterm birth.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, population-based cohort study of 143 adolescents (74 preterm, 69 term controls) aged 12-17 years.
• High-resolution anatomical and diffusion tensor MRI scans were acquired using a 1.5-T scanner.
• Voxelwise comparisons of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes, and white matter microstructural integrity were performed.

Main Results:

• Formerly preterm individuals exhibited significantly smaller gray matter (8.8%) and white matter (9.4%) volumes.
• Reductions in GM were observed in various cortical and subcortical regions, including temporal lobes, prefrontal cortex, hippocampi, and thalami.
• Lower fractional anisotropy, indicating reduced white matter integrity, was found in the posterior corpus callosum and fornix.

Conclusions:

• Preterm birth is associated with long-term structural brain alterations, but the effects may be less severe than previously suggested.
• Differences in neonatal care practices and social structures might contribute to milder outcomes.
• Continued research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of preterm birth on brain development.