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Neurodevelopmental Outcomes following Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Very Preterm Birth

Chiara Sacchi1, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh2, Dafnis Batalle2

  • 1Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in very preterm infants is linked to altered brain development and worse outcomes in toddlerhood. This suggests IUGR may increase neurodevelopmental risks beyond very preterm birth alone.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Very preterm birth poses significant neurodevelopmental risks.
  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common complication of pregnancy.
  • The combined impact of IUGR and very preterm birth on neurodevelopment is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if IUGR exacerbates neurodevelopmental risks in very preterm infants.
  • To examine alterations in brain growth and toddlerhood outcomes in very preterm infants with and without IUGR.

Main Methods:

  • 314 very preterm infants from the Evaluation of Preterm Imaging Study (e-Prime) were assessed.
  • IUGR was identified based on postnatal records and prenatal growth parameters.
  • Brain structure was evaluated using MRI at term-equivalent age.
  • Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 22 months using standardized tests.

Main Results:

  • Infants with IUGR showed distinct gray matter volume alterations, particularly in limbic and frontoinsular regions.
  • Toddlers born very preterm with IUGR had significantly lower cognitive and motor scores.
  • Increased likelihood of positive autism screening was observed in toddlers with IUGR.

Conclusions:

  • IUGR may confer additional neurodevelopmental risk beyond very preterm birth.
  • Altered brain growth patterns are associated with IUGR in this population.
  • Poorer toddlerhood cognitive, motor, and autism-related outcomes are linked to IUGR in very preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
autistic traitsbraincognitionmotor

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