Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
06:36
Author Spotlight: High-Resolution Imaging of Mouse Neonate Brains – A Micro-CT Protocol with Lugol's Solution Contrast Agent
Published on: May 19, 2023
2.5K
Changes in brain morphology and microstructure in relation to early brain activity in extremely preterm infants
Maria Luisa Tataranno1, Nathalie H P Claessens1, Pim Moeskops1,2
1Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, and Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Pediatric Research
|December 16, 2017
Summary
Early brain activity, measured by SAT rate and ISI, is linked to significant cerebellar and cortical growth in preterm infants. Higher brain activity correlates with improved white matter development, particularly in the corpus callosum.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neuroscience
- Developmental neurobiology
Background:
- Preterm birth poses risks to brain development.
- Understanding early brain activity's role is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between early electroencephalography (EEG) patterns and subsequent brain structural and microstructural development in preterm neonates.
- To identify specific EEG metrics associated with cortical and white matter maturation.
Main Methods:
- Continuous EEG monitoring in 33 preterm infants during the first 48 hours of life.
- Calculation of spontaneous activity transients (SAT) rate and inter-SAT interval (ISI).
- Serial MRI scans at ~30 and ~40 weeks postmenstrual age to assess brain structure (volume, gyrification) and white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy).
Main Results:
- Higher SAT rate positively correlated with cerebellar volume growth, cortical gray matter volume, gyrification, and corpus callosum fractional anisotropy.
- Increased ISI was negatively associated with cerebellar growth.
- Early brain activity metrics predict key aspects of brain maturation.
Conclusions:
- Early brain activity is a significant factor in the structural and microstructural development of the preterm brain.
- Enhanced early neural activity supports cerebellar and cortical growth and white matter development, especially in the corpus callosum.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and potentially supporting early brain activity in preterm infants.
