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Continuum of neurobehaviour and its associations with brain MRI in infants born preterm

Abbey L Eeles1,2,3, Jennifer M Walsh1,2,4, Joy E Olsen1,2,5

  • 1Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|April 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Neurobehavioral assessments in preterm infants reveal a continuum of development. Early neurobehavioral outcomes correlate with brain MRI findings, aiding in identifying high-risk infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal neuroscience
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Infants born very preterm (VPT) and moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT) face increased risks of neurodevelopmental deficits.
  • The relationship between early neurobehavior and these deficits in MLPT infants requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Compare neurobehavioral performance across three gestational age groups: preterm <30 weeks (PT<30), MLPT (32-36 weeks), and term (≥37 weeks).
  • Investigate the association between brain MRI abnormalities and neurobehavior at term-equivalent age.

Main Methods:

  • Neurobehavior assessed at term-equivalent age using Neonatal Intensive Care UnitNetwork Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE), and Prechtl's Qualitative Assessment of General Movements (GMA).
  • Brain MRI performed concurrently in PT<30 and MLPT infants.

Main Results:

  • Abnormal neurobehavioral outcomes (NNNS, HNNE, GMA) increased with decreasing gestational age.
  • Higher brain MRI abnormality scores correlated with suboptimal neurobehavior on NNNS and HNNE in both PT<30 and MLPT groups.
  • The association between brain MRI abnormalities and abnormal General Movements was stronger in PT<30 infants.

Conclusions:

  • A continuum of neurobehavior exists across gestational ages.
  • Neurobehavioral assessments provide insights into brain development and can help identify high-risk infants earlier.
Abstract

Keywords:
Neurodevelopment

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