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Neonatal brain abnormalities and brain volumes associated with goal setting outcomes in very preterm 13-year-olds

Kristina M Haebich1,2, Catherine Willmott1,3, Shannon E Scratch2,4,5

  • 1Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Brain Imaging and Behavior
|January 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Children born very preterm (VP) often have executive dysfunction. Neonatal brain abnormalities and smaller brain volumes are linked to poorer goal-setting skills in 13-year-olds born VP.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Radiology

Background:

  • Executive dysfunction, particularly impaired goal setting, is common in children born very preterm (VP; <30 weeks gestation).
  • The underlying neurological mechanisms for these executive function deficits in VP children remain unclear.
  • Neonatal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a window into early brain development and potential predictors of later outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between neonatal brain abnormalities and brain volumes, assessed via MRI, and goal-setting abilities at 13 years of age in children born VP.
  • To determine if early brain structure predicts later executive function performance in this vulnerable population.
  • To explore the potential of neonatal MRI as a tool for identifying VP children at risk for executive dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective longitudinal study included 159 children born VP.
  • Neonatal MRI scans (at 40 weeks' corrected gestational age) were analyzed for qualitative brain abnormality scores and quantitative brain volumes.
  • Goal-setting abilities at 13 years were assessed using standardized tests including the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function Systems Tower Test, Rey Complex Figure, and the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive System for Children Zoo Map and Six Part Test.

Main Results:

  • Higher scores for neonatal white matter, deep grey matter, and cerebellum abnormalities were associated with poorer goal-setting performance at 13 years.
  • Increased total brain volume, as well as cerebellum, thalamic, and cortical grey matter volumes, were positively associated with better goal-setting outcomes.
  • These associations remained significant after controlling for potential confounding factors.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal brain abnormalities and altered brain volumes are significantly associated with goal-setting outcomes in 13-year-olds born very preterm.
  • Neonatal MRI findings may serve as valuable biomarkers for predicting executive dysfunction in VP children.
  • Integrating neonatal MRI data with clinical assessments could enhance early identification and intervention strategies for VP children at risk.

Keywords:
Brain injuryExecutive functionMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Premature birth

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