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Cerebral MRI and cognition in nonhandicapped, low birth weight adults
Morten Duus Odberg1, Stein Magnus Aukland, Karen Rosendahl
1Section of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. morten.duus.odberg@helse-bergen.no
Insights
Young adults born with low birth weight show increased risks for brain structure changes, including prominent ventricles and white matter loss, impacting cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Low birth weight is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in low birth weight individuals is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in young adults with low birth weight versus controls.
- To identify specific neuroanatomical differences associated with low birth weight in adolescence.
Main Methods:
- 113 low birth weight (<2000 g) and 100 control adults (age 19) underwent 3.0 T cerebral MRI.
- Cognitive function was assessed using prorated intelligence quotient (IQ) from the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Ability.
- MRI data analyzed for ventricular size, white matter volume, and corpus callosum integrity.
Main Results:
- Low birth weight adults had significantly more prominent lateral ventricles (40% vs. 15%) and white matter loss (31% vs. 7%).
- Thinning of the corpus callosum was also more prevalent in the low birth weight group.
- Mean IQ scores were lower in the low birth weight group (95 vs. 101).
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight is associated with increased risks of specific cerebral MRI abnormalities in young adulthood.
- These findings suggest a neurobiological basis for potential cognitive differences in individuals with low birth weight.
- Cerebral MRI can reveal subtle structural changes in healthy young adults with a history of low birth weight.
Abstract:
This study sought to compare cognitive and cerebral findings of magnetic resonance imaging in young adults with low birth weights and in a control group. One hundred thirteen of 173 (65%) eligible adults with birth weights <2000 g, and 100 of 170 (59%) controls, all without major disabilities, were examined at age 19 years. Cerebral 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging was performed according to standardized protocols. Prorated intelligence quotient was estimated from two subtests of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Ability, a word comprehension test, and matrices. Prominent lateral ventricles and loss of white matter, and thinning of the corpus callosum, were more common in the low birth weight group than in the control group (40% vs. 15%, respectively; odds ratio, 3.8; P < 0.001; and 31% vs. 7%, respectively; odds ratio, 6.0; P < 0.001). Low birth weight adults exhibited lower mean intelligence quotients (95 vs. 101, respectively; P < 0.001). Low birth weight adults face an increased risk of prominent ventricles, global loss of white matter, and thinning of the corpus callosum. Similar magnetic resonance imaging findings are not uncommon among healthy adults.
