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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Diffusion tensor imaging and behavior in premature infants at 8 years of age, a randomized controlled trial with
Astrid Nylander Almaas1, Christian K Tamnes2, Britt Nakstad3
1Akershus University Hospital and Faculty Division AHUS, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Nordbyhagen, Norway; Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
Insights
Postnatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) did not improve white matter microstructure or behavioral outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at 8 years. This study explored long-term effects in VLBW children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face higher risks of behavioral issues and show reduced white matter maturation.
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) like DHA and AA are hypothesized to enhance myelination and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term impact of postnatal DHA and AA supplementation on cerebral white matter microstructure and behavioral outcomes in VLBW infants.
- To test the hypothesis that LCPUFA supplementation positively influences brain development and behavior in VLBW children.
Main Methods:
- An 8-year follow-up of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 129 VLBW infants fed human milk.
- Cerebral white matter integrity was assessed using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI).
- Behavioral outcomes were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Child Behavior Checklist.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in white matter microstructure between the DHA/AA supplemented group and the placebo group.
- Behavioral assessments at 8 years of age showed no significant differences between the groups.
- A trend towards higher fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum in the supplemented group was noted but did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal supplementation with DHA and AA in human milk-fed VLBW infants did not lead to significant improvements in white matter microstructure or behavioral outcomes by 8 years of age.
- This study provides crucial long-term data on the efficacy of LCPUFA supplementation for neurodevelopment in VLBW populations.
- Further research may be needed to explore optimal LCPUFA dosages or alternative interventions for VLBW infants.
Background:
Very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight<1500 g) children have increased risk of behavioral problems. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain shows reduced white matter maturation. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are hypothesized to improve both myelination and behavioral outcome.
Aims:
To test the hypothesis that postnatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) to very low birth weight infants would influence cerebral white matter measured by DTI and improve behavioral outcome at 8 years of age.
Study Design:
Eight-year follow-up of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of postnatal supplementation with DHA and AA to 129 VLBW infants fed human milk.
Subjects:
Ninety-eight children (76%) met for follow-up at 8 years.
Outcome Measures:
Cerebral white matter measured by DTI. Behavioral outcome measured by Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire and selected scales from the Child Behavior Checklist.
Results:
No significant differences between the intervention group and the control group were found on white matter microstructure or behavioral data. A non-significant finding of higher fractional anisotropy (FA) in a cluster in the corpus callosum of the intervention group is discussed.
Conclusions:
The present study is the first long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial with DHA and AA to human milk fed VLBW infants exploring cerebral white matter microstructure measured by DTI and parent-reported behavioral problems. No effects on white matter microstructure or behavioral outcome were observed at 8 years of age.
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