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Updated: May 16, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Radiologic differences in white matter maturation between preterm and full-term infants: TBSS study
Ah Young Lee1, Sung Ho Jang, Eunsil Lee
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 317-1 Daemyungdong, Namku, Taegu, South Korea, 705-717.
Insights
White matter (WM) in preterm children shows gradual maturation over the first two years. Full-term infants achieve WM maturation earlier, highlighting the need for early intervention in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Preterm birth is associated with widespread white matter (WM) pathology.
- Understanding WM development in preterm infants is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate maturational differences in white matter (WM) between preterm infants and full-term infants.
- To compare WM development in preterm infants with thinning of the corpus callosum to that of full-term infants.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess white matter (WM) in 18 preterm and 18 full-term children.
- Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analyzed fractional anisotropy (FA) differences across age-related subgroups.
- Children were grouped by corrected age at the time of DTI scanning.
Main Results:
- White matter (WM) fractional anisotropy (FA) values increased with age in preterm children, indicating gradual maturation over the first two years.
- Full-term infants reached WM maturation by approximately one year of age.
- The centrum semiovale region showed sustained maturation in full-term infants throughout the first two years.
Conclusions:
- Significant radiologic maturational differences exist in white matter (WM) between preterm and full-term children.
- Therapeutic interventions within the first two years of birth are essential for preterm infants.
- Early intervention can prevent specific functional impairments and improve clinical outcomes in preterm children.
Background:
Widespread white matter (WM) pathology in preterm children has been proposed.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate maturational differences of WM between preterm infants with thinning of the corpus callosum and full-term infants.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 18 preterm children and 18 full-term children were divided into three subgroups according to the corrected age at the time of diffusion tensor imaging scanning. Tract-based spatial statistics was used for assessing differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) between preterm and full-term children, and between each age-related subgroup in preterm and in full-term children.
Results:
In the preterm group, FA values of overall WM showed an increase with age. This trend indicates that WM maturation is a gradual occurrence during a child's first 2 years. In the full-term group, most WM structures had reached maturation at around 1 year of age; however, centrum semiovale level showed sustained maturation during the first 2 years.
Conclusion:
Results of our study demonstrate radiologic maturational differences of WM and provide evidence of the need for therapeutic intervention within 2 years of birth to prevent specific functional impairment and to improve clinical outcome in preterm children.
