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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

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Reduced Cerebellar Size at Term-Equivalent Age Is Related to a 17% Lower Mental Developmental Index in Very Preterm

Marlene Hammerl1, Michaela Zagler2, Elke Griesmaier1

  • 1Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.

Neonatology
|September 4, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Reduced cerebellar growth in preterm infants without brain injury is linked to lower cognitive scores. Transcerebellar diameter (TCD) at term-equivalent age (TEA) may predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal neuroscience
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Cerebellar injury is a known complication of premature birth.
  • The impact of reduced cerebellar growth on neurodevelopment in preterm infants without overt brain injury requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess transcerebellar diameter (TCD) at term-equivalent age (TEA) in very preterm infants without brain injury.
  • To evaluate the relationship between TCD and neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected age of 2 years.

Main Methods:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure TCD in very preterm infants at TEA.
  • Infants with any brain injury were excluded.
  • Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) at 2 years corrected age.

Main Results:

  • A total of 166 infants were included; mean gestational age was 29.9 weeks.
  • Reduced TCD was observed in 4.8% of infants.
  • Infants with mild TCD reduction showed significantly lower Mental Developmental Index (MDI) scores.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced TCD at TEA is associated with a 17% lower mean MDI at 2 years corrected age.
  • TCD can serve as an imaging biomarker for adverse cognitive outcomes in preterm infants without apparent brain injury.
Abstract

Keywords:
Brain metricsCerebellumMagnetic resonance imagingNeurodevelopmental outcomePreterm

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