Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
19:32
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Prematurity affects cortical maturation in early childhood
John P Phillips1, Erica Q Montague, Miranda Aragon
1Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. jphillips@mrn.org
Pediatric Neurology
|September 13, 2011
Summary
Brain development in premature infants is not well understood. Very low birth weight children show altered cortical thickness and surface area, suggesting delayed brain maturation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Cortical development in early childhood is crucial for long-term neurological outcomes.
- Limited research characterizes brain development in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during the first few years of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize cortical development in VLBW children compared to term-born controls.
- To assess the relationship between birth weight and cortical surface area and thickness.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired from VLBW and term-born children at 18-22 months and 3-4 years of age.
- Cortical surface area and thickness were quantified using FreeSurfer software.
- Manual inspection ensured the accuracy of the automated analysis.
Main Results:
- VLBW children exhibited a trend towards thicker cortices and reduced surface area compared to term controls at both time points.
- A negative correlation was found between birth weight and cortical thickness at 18-22 months (P=0.04).
- A positive correlation was observed between birth weight and cortical surface area at 3-4 years (P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Premature delivery may delay normal cortical thinning and surface area expansion processes.
- The degree of prematurity may influence the extent of these developmental delays.
- Findings highlight potential long-term impacts of VLBW on brain maturation.
Related Concept Videos
01:21The Nativist Approach
The nativist approach to infant cognitive development proposes that infants are born with inherent knowledge structures that allow them to interpret the world almost immediately. This perspective contrasts with earlier developmental theories, such as those proposed by Jean Piaget, which emphasized a more gradual acquisition of cognitive abilities through interaction with the environment. One key concept in this approach is object permanence — the understanding that objects continue to exist...
01:30Information Processing Approach
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
01:30Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...