Optimal timing of cerebral MRI in preterm infants to predict long-term neurodevelopmental outcome: a systematic...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neuroscience
• Developmental pediatrics
• Radiology

Background:

• Preterm birth is associated with significant risks of abnormal neuromotor and cognitive development.
• Neonatal neuroimaging advances have enhanced the detection of early brain injury in preterm infants.
• Sophisticated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques enable scanning during early preterm life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and determine the optimal timing for brain MR imaging in preterm infants to predict long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• To evaluate the utility of early MR imaging for guiding intervention studies and research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies investigating the relationship between brain MR imaging findings in preterm infants and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Analysis of evidence regarding the timing of MR imaging (e.g., early preterm vs. term-equivalent age).

Main Results:

• Structural brain abnormalities detected via MR imaging are strongly correlated with long-term neurodevelopmental deficits.
• MR imaging performed at term-equivalent age provides the most reliable prediction of long-term neuromotor and cognitive outcomes.
• Early MR imaging shows promise for guiding early intervention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Brain MR imaging at term-equivalent age is recommended for predicting long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
• Early MR imaging is valuable for research into preterm brain injury and for informing early intervention studies.
• Optimizing the timing of MR imaging is essential for maximizing its predictive value in preterm infant neurodevelopment.