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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Longitudinal analysis of neural network development in preterm infants
Christopher D Smyser1, Terrie E Inder, Joshua S Shimony
1Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Washington University School ofMedicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA. smyserc@neuro.wustl.edu
Insights
Resting state functional connectivity MRI reveals how the brain develops in preterm infants. Early brain connectivity in preterm infants differs from full-term infants, impacting neurodevelopment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) is crucial for studying early brain development in preterm infants.
- Understanding the earliest forms of cerebral connectivity is key to characterizing human brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and characterize the earliest forms of cerebral connectivity and its development in preterm infants using fcMRI.
- To compare brain network development in preterm infants with term-born controls.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal fcMRI data were collected from preterm infants (n=90) from 26 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) to term equivalent age.
- Seed-based correlation analysis was used to identify resting state networks involving cortical regions, thalamus, and cerebellum.
- Network development patterns were analyzed in relation to age and anatomical distance.
Main Results:
- Identified resting state networks showed regionally variable, age-specific development patterns.
- More mature networks featured localized interhemispheric connections; anatomical distance influenced connection development rate.
- Term-equivalent preterm infants exhibited prominent differences in network maturation compared to term controls, particularly in thalamocortical connections.
- Default mode network precursors were detected in term controls but not in preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Brain network maturation in preterm infants follows intricate structural and functional processes.
- Observed network differences in preterm infants suggest potential impacts on neurodevelopment.
- Findings align with previous research on preterm infant neurodevelopment and highlight critical differences in early brain connectivity.
Abstract:
Application of resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) to the study of prematurely born infants enables assessment of the earliest forms of cerebral connectivity and characterization of its early development in the human brain. We obtained 90 longitudinal fcMRI data sets from a cohort of preterm infants aged from 26 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) through term equivalent age at PMA-specific time points. Utilizing seed-based correlation analysis, we identified resting state networks involving varied cortical regions, the thalamus, and cerebellum. Identified networks demonstrated a regionally variable age-specific pattern of development, with more mature forms consisting of localized interhemispheric connections between homotopic counterparts. Anatomical distance was found to play a critical role in the rate of connection development. Prominent differences were noted between networks identified in term control versus premature infants at term equivalent, including in the thalamocortical connections critical for neurodevelopment. Putative precursors of the default mode network were detected in term control infants but were not identified in preterm infants, including those at term equivalent. Identified patterns of network maturation reflect the intricate relationship of structural and functional processes present throughout this important developmental period and are consistent with prior investigations of neurodevelopment in this population.
