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Aberrant Claustrum Microstructure in Humans after Premature Birth
Dennis M Hedderich1, Aurore Menegaux1, Hongwei Li2
1Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|June 25, 2021
Summary
Premature birth alters brain structure, specifically the claustrum, a key area for cognitive functions. This study found microstructural changes in the claustrum of very preterm/very low-birth-weight adults, linking it to cognitive impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Prematurity impacts brain development, affecting neuronal structures and white matter connections.
- The claustrum, a densely connected brain region, is crucial for general cognitive functions like attention and task switching.
- Cognitive functions are often impaired in individuals born prematurely.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate structural alterations in the claustrum of adults born very preterm/very low-birth-weight (VP/VLBW).
- To explore the association between claustrum microstructure and general cognitive performance in VP/VLBW individuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Compared brain structure in 70 VP/VLBW adults and 87 term-born adults.
- Correlated imaging findings with birth weight and IQ scores.
Main Results:
- VP/VLBW adults exhibited increased mean diffusivity in the claustrum compared to term-born controls.
- Increased claustrum mean diffusivity was associated with lower birth weight.
- A trend was observed between altered claustrum microstructure and reduced IQ.
Conclusions:
- Premature birth leads to altered claustrum microstructure in adulthood.
- Aberrant claustrum development may be linked to impaired subplate neuron development and forebrain connections in prematurity.
- These findings suggest a neurobiological basis for cognitive deficits associated with prematurity.
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