Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Three-Dimensional Shape Modeling and Analysis of Brain Structures
Published on: November 14, 2019
Functional and structural connectivity of the brain in very preterm babies: relationship with gestational age and
Vassiliki Mouka1, Aikaterini Drougia2, Vasileios G Xydis1
1Medical School, University Hospital of Ioannina, P.O. Box 1186, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
Insights
Brain connectivity in very preterm infants is linked to prematurity and body growth. Functional connectivity correlates with gestational age, while structural connectivity relates to head circumference and body weight.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Premature birth can lead to structural and functional brain alterations.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for infant neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between brain connectivity (functional and structural) and factors like gestational age, body growth, and brain maturation in very preterm infants.
- To identify key predictors of brain connectivity in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) for functional connectivity analysis.
- Employed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and probabilistic tractography for structural connectivity assessment.
- Studied a cohort of 18 very preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 29.7 weeks.
Main Results:
- Positive association found between medial orbitofrontal cortex functional connectivity and gestational age.
- Fractional anisotropy and structural connectivity of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus correlated with head circumference.
- Infant body weight emerged as an independent predictor of medial orbitofrontal cortex structural connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Brain structural and functional connectivity in very preterm infants are significantly influenced by postnatal body growth and the degree of prematurity.
- These findings highlight the interconnectedness of physical development and neural maturation in extremely preterm infants.
Background:
Structural and functional changes of the brain have been reported in premature babies.
Objective:
To evaluate the relationship of functional and structural connectivity with gestational age, body growth and brain maturation in very preterm babies.
Materials And Methods:
We studied 18 very preterm babies (gestational age: mean ± standard deviation, 29.7±1.7 weeks). We examined functional connectivity by multivariate pattern analysis of resting-state functional MRI data. We assessed structural connectivity by analysis of diffusion tensor imaging data and probabilistic tractography.
Results:
The average functional connectivity of the medial orbitofrontal cortex with the rest of the brain was positively associated with gestational age (P<0.001). Fractional anisotropy of the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus was positively associated with head circumference at term-equivalent age. Structural connectivity of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus with the medial orbitofrontal cortex was positively associated with head circumference at term-equivalent age. Body weight at term-equivalent age was the only independent predictor of average structural connectivity of the medial orbitofrontal cortex with the rest of the brain (P=0.020).
Conclusion:
Structural and functional connectivity of the medial orbitofrontal cortex with the rest of the brain depend on body growth and degree of prematurity, respectively.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Relationship Growth
01:06Virtual Work for a System of Connected Rigid Bodies
Next,...
01:15Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
01:56Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
01:17Functions of Connective Tissues
Hard connective tissues, such as bones and cartilage, provide structure and support to the body.
01:10Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...