Aberrant structural and functional connectivity and neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm children

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Preterm birth is a primary cause of neurological disabilities in children, affecting multiple neurodevelopmental domains.
• Infants born prematurely face higher risks of cerebral palsy, executive dysfunction, language impairments, ADHD, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders.
• Aberrant cerebral structural and functional connectivity is prevalent in preterm infants, detectable via advanced neuroimaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm infants.
• To describe aberrant brain connectivity patterns in this population.
• To examine the link between brain abnormalities and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, considering clinical and social factors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
• Analysis of neuroimaging data (MRI) in preterm infants and children.
• Examination of relationships between brain connectivity and neurodevelopmental assessments.

Main Results:

• Preterm birth is strongly associated with neurodevelopmental impairments and altered brain connectivity.
• Aberrant connectivity in functional networks and white matter tracts underlies these deficits.
• Heritability and psychosocial factors can influence neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children.

Conclusions:

• Longitudinal studies combining neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental assessments are essential.
• Further research is needed to understand modifiable risk factors.
• Improved neurodevelopmental trajectories require targeted interventions for high-risk preterm populations.