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Using fMRI to Investigate Memory in Young Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Henrica M A de Bie1, Michiel B de Ruiter2, Mieke Ouwendijk3
1Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Children born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit poorer memory function and altered brain activity in key memory regions. This study highlights the lasting neural effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant concern, often resulting in infants born small for gestational age (SGA).
- SGA is linked to potential neurodevelopmental challenges, including cognitive and brain structural differences.
- Early identification and understanding of these effects are crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate learning and memory capabilities in children born SGA.
- To examine brain activity patterns associated with memory using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).
- To compare cognitive and neural differences between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 34 SGA children and 18 AGA children aged 4-7 years.
- Assessed cognitive function via IQ, Digit/Word Span, and Location Learning tests.
- Employed a novel fMRI picture encoding task to evaluate memory-related brain activation.
Main Results:
- SGA children showed normal IQ but poorer memory performance compared to AGA peers.
- fMRI revealed memory-related activation in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus in both groups.
- Children born SGA demonstrated reduced activation in the left parahippocampal region.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first fMRI evidence of distinct brain activation patterns in young children born SGA.
- Findings suggest that IUGR has persistent effects on neural functioning impacting memory processes.
- These results underscore the importance of continued monitoring and support for children born SGA.
Objectives:
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can lead to infants being born small for gestational age (SGA). SGA is associated with differences in brain anatomy and impaired cognition. We investigated learning and memory in children born SGA using neuropsychological testing and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).
Study Design:
18 children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 34 SGA born children (18 with and 16 without postnatal catch-up growth) participated in this study. All children were between 4 and 7 years old. Cognitive functioning was assessed by IQ and memory testing (Digit/Word Span and Location Learning). A newly developed fMRI picture encoding task was completed by all children in order to assess brain regions involved in memory processes.
Results:
Neuropsychological testing demonstrated that SGA children had IQ's within the normal range but lower than in AGA and poorer performances across measures of memory. Using fMRI, we observed memory related activity in posterior parahippocampal gyrus as well as the hippocampus proper. Additionally, activation was seen bilaterally in the prefrontal gyrus. Children born SGA showed less activation in the left parahippocampal region compared to AGA.
Conclusions:
This is the first fMRI study demonstrating different brain activation patterns in 4-7 year old children born SGA, suggesting that intrauterine growth restriction continues to affect neural functioning in children later-on.
