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Preterm birth leads to hyper-reactive cognitive control processing and poor white matter organization in adulthood
Alexander Olsen1, Emily L Dennis2, Kari Anne I Evensen3
1Department of Psychology, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Neuroimage
|December 2, 2017
Summary
Adults born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW) show hyper-reactive cognitive control and disrupted white matter. These brain differences may explain later life challenges in VLBW individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Individuals born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW) face heightened risks for perinatal brain injuries and developmental issues.
- These early challenges can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuronal basis of reactive and proactive cognitive control in adults born with VLBW.
- To identify brain differences associated with cognitive control in VLBW adults.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used to study 32 VLBW adults and 32 term-born controls.
- Participants completed a Not-X continuous performance test (CPT) during fMRI scanning.
- Automated Multi-Atlas Tract Extraction (AutoMATE) analyzed white matter integrity.
Main Results:
- Cognitive control processing was hyper-reactive in the VLBW group, unlike term-born controls.
- Disrupted white matter organization was observed in VLBW adults, particularly in the anterior thalamic radiation and cingulum.
- Hyper-reactivity correlated with lower gestational age, reduced fluid intelligence, and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- The preterm behavioral phenotype is linked to a reactive, rather than proactive, cognitive control style.
- White matter abnormalities in VLBW adults may underlie difficulties experienced in daily life.
- Findings highlight the lasting impact of preterm birth on brain function and cognitive control.
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