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Longitudinal Changes in the Sensorimotor Pathways of Very Preterm Infants During the First Year of Life With and
Sonia Khurana1, Megan E Evans2, Claire E Kelly3
1Postdoctoral Fellow, Motor Development Lab, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States.
Insights
This study shows that non-sedated MRI scans are feasible for tracking brain development in very preterm infants. Early intervention may influence white matter volume changes during the first year of life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Very preterm infants face risks of altered brain development.
- Longitudinal assessment of brain changes is crucial for understanding outcomes.
- Intervention effects on neurodevelopment require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate longitudinal changes in brain microstructure and volumes in very preterm infants.
- To compare these changes in infants receiving early intervention versus usual care.
- To assess the feasibility of non-sedated MRI in this population.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive pilot study involving five very preterm infants.
- Brain structural and diffusion MRI scans at neonatal intensive care unit discharge, 3 months, and 6 months post-baseline.
- Analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and regional brain volumes.
Main Results:
- High completion rate (>60%) for scheduled MRI scans.
- Observed increases in FA and brain volumes from baseline to six months across all regions.
- The SPEEDI Early intervention group showed the highest rate of white matter volume change.
Conclusions:
- Non-sedated longitudinal MRI is a feasible method for studying very preterm infants.
- The study demonstrates longitudinal changes in brain structure and connectivity.
- Early intervention may impact white matter development trajectories.
Abstract:
Objective: Evaluate longitudinal changes in brain microstructure and volumes in very preterm infants during the first year of life with and without intervention.Design: Descriptive pilot study.Methods: Five preterm infants in a three-arm clinical trial, one SPEEDI Early, two SPEEDI Late, and two usual care. Brain structural and diffusion MRI's were acquired within 72 hours after neonatal intensive care unit discharge (n = 5), three months post-baseline (n = 5), and six months post-baseline (n = 3). Fractional anisotropy (FA), Mean diffusivity (MD), and volume metrics were computed for five brain regions.Results: More than 60% of eligible participants completed 100% of the scheduled MRIs. FA and volume increased from baseline to six months across all brain regions. Rate of white matter volume change from baseline to six months was highest in SPEEDI Early.Conclusions: Non-sedated longitudinal MRI is feasible in very preterm infants and appears to demonstrate longitudinal changes in brain structure and connectivity.
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