Neuroanatomical consequences of very preterm birth in middle childhood

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Preterm birth (<32 weeks gestational age) is associated with potential neurodevelopmental challenges.
• Previous research indicates possible reductions in brain volume and cortical development in preterm infants.
• The long-term neuroanatomical consequences and their relationships in middle childhood remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neuroanatomical differences in brain volume, cortical surface area, and thickness in very preterm-born children during middle childhood.
• To examine the relationship between brain structure measures in very preterm-born children compared to term-born controls.
• To identify specific cortical regions affected by preterm birth.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution T(1)-weighted MRI scans were acquired from 25 very preterm-born children (without significant neurological sequelae) and 32 age-matched term-born children (7-10 years).
• Group comparisons were performed for total brain volume, cortical surface area, and cortical thickness.
• Specific cortical regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and precuneus, were analyzed for thickness differences.

Main Results:

• Children born very preterm demonstrated significantly decreased total brain volume, cortical surface area, and cortical thickness compared to term-born controls.
• The typical robust relationship between total brain volume and basal ganglia/thalamic volume observed in term-born children was absent in the preterm group.
• Cortical thinning was identified in specific regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex/supplementary motor area, isthmus of the cingulate gyrus, right superior temporal sulcus, right anterior insula, postcentral gyrus, and precuneus.
• Right precuneus thickness was found to be correlated with gestational age.

Conclusions:

• Very preterm birth, even without major postnatal complications, leads to persistent atypical brain structure and developmental patterns in middle childhood.
• These neuroanatomical differences are present in brain regions critical for higher cognitive functions.
• Disruptions during the third trimester of gestation are likely the underlying cause of these enduring neurodevelopmental alterations.