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Early postnatal docosahexaenoic acid levels and improved preterm brain development

Emily W Y Tam1, Vann Chau1, A James Barkovich2,3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Pediatric Research
|January 14, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Higher postnatal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and lower linoleic acid (LA) levels in preterm infants are linked to reduced brain injury and better neurodevelopmental outcomes. These findings suggest potential benefits from early nutritional interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal research
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional science

Background:

  • Preterm birth significantly affects brain development and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) exposure.
  • Understanding the impact of postnatal fatty acid levels on brain injury and development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between red blood cell fatty acid composition and brain development in preterm infants.
  • To correlate fatty acid levels with brain injury, microstructural development, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 60 preterm newborns (24-32 weeks gestational age) underwent serial MRI scans.
  • Red blood cell fatty acid composition was analyzed alongside MRI.
  • Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 33 months corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition.

Main Results:

  • Increased postnatal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were associated with a 4.3-fold decreased odds of intraventricular hemorrhage.
  • Higher DHA and lower linoleic acid (LA) levels correlated with reduced white matter diffusivity.
  • Improved developmental scores were observed in infants with higher DHA and lower LA levels.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated DHA and reduced LA in early life are linked to decreased intraventricular hemorrhage and enhanced brain development in preterm infants.
  • These findings support the investigation of early nutritional interventions to improve outcomes for preterm children.
  • Further research into antenatal interventions for high-risk pregnancies may also be beneficial.
Abstract

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