Changes of Dynamic Functional Connectivity Associated With Maturity in Late Preterm Infants
Xueling Ma1,2,3, Xiushuang Wu4,5, Yuan Shi1,2,3,6
1Department of Neonatalogy, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Frontiers in Pediatrics
|August 15, 2020
Summary
Late preterm infants show altered brain connectivity, spending more time in a state of weaker network connections compared to term infants. This preference for weaker connectivity decreases as infant maturity increases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Late preterm birth is associated with neurodevelopmental risks.
- Understanding brain connectivity in neonates is crucial for early intervention.
- Dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) offers insights into evolving brain networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DFC changes in late preterm infants.
- To determine if DFC alterations correlate with neonatal maturity indicators.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) data from 34 late preterm and 37 term neonates.
- Independent component analysis (ICA) to identify functional networks.
- Sliding-window approach and k-means clustering to define DFC states.
Main Results:
- Four recurring DFC states were identified.
- Late preterm infants spent significantly more time in a state of weaker inter-network connectivity (State III).
- Neonatal maturity was negatively correlated with time spent in State III.
Conclusions:
- Late preterm infants exhibit distinct DFC patterns characterized by prolonged periods of weaker network connectivity.
- Increased neonatal maturity is associated with a reduced tendency towards these weaker connectivity states.
- Findings highlight potential neuroimaging biomarkers for assessing preterm infant neurodevelopment.
Keywords:
dynamic functional connectivityfMRIindependent component analysislate preterm infantspremature brain injury
