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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
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|March 19, 2010
Summary
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.
