White matter microstructural differences identified using multi-shell diffusion imaging in six-year-old children born...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Premature birth (<32 weeks gestational age) can impact brain development.
• White matter microstructure is crucial for cognitive function.
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques are needed to understand these impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare white matter microstructure between very preterm and full-term children at six years of age.
• To investigate the relationship between white matter microstructure and developmental outcomes.
• To explore associations with early brain injury in very preterm children.

Main Methods:

• Multi-shell diffusion imaging, including Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI).
• Acquisition of T1-weighted anatomical MR images and developmental assessments.
• Voxel-wise statistical comparisons of DTI and NODDI metrics between groups and within the preterm group.

Main Results:

• Very preterm children had lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and ODI compared to full-term controls.
• In very preterm children, higher FA and NDI correlated with higher IQ and visual motor abilities (VMI).
• Lower ODI in the corona radiata was associated with a history of white matter injury in preterm children.

Conclusions:

• Very preterm children exhibit distinct white matter microstructural alterations compared to full-term children.
• NODDI provides more specific insights into white matter microstructure and its impact on cognition than DTI alone.
• Understanding these microstructural changes is vital for assessing cognitive outcomes in children born very preterm.