Altered brain function, structure, and developmental trajectory in children born late preterm

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Late preterm birth (34-36 weeks gestation) is a common obstetric event.
• This condition poses potential risks for altered neurodevelopment in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical outcomes in children born late preterm compared to those born full-term.
• To identify specific differences in brain structure and cognitive function associated with late preterm birth.

Main Methods:

• An observational cohort study comparing children aged 6-13 years, divided into late preterm (n=52) and full-term (n=74) groups.
• Cognitive assessments, behavioral evaluations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were conducted for all participants.

Main Results:

• Late preterm children exhibited slower processing speed, poorer visual-spatial perception, and memory deficits.
• Parents reported increased behavioral difficulties in late preterm children; however, no differences in overall cognitive ability or academic achievement were found.
• Brain imaging showed reduced total brain tissue and increased cerebrospinal fluid in late preterm children, with specific differences in the cerebrum and thalamus. Full-term children showed age-related decreases in cortical tissue volume and thickness.

Conclusions:

• Late preterm birth is associated with lasting effects on cognitive function, behavior, and brain structure.
• These findings highlight the importance of monitoring neurodevelopmental trajectories in children born late preterm.
• The study suggests that the impact of late preterm birth extends well beyond early childhood.