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Atypical brain structure mediates reduced IQ in young adults born preterm with very low birth weight

Lars M Rimol1, Henning Hoel Rise2, Kari Anne I Evensen3

  • 1Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.

Neuroimage
|December 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth with very low birth weight (VLBW) is linked to lower IQ, partly due to reduced brain surface area and smaller subcortical volumes. This study establishes a causal relationship between these brain differences and cognitive deficits in VLBW survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Preterm birth with very low birth weight (VLBW) is associated with significant risks of perinatal brain injury and lasting cognitive deficits, including reduced IQ.
  • Previous research has documented persistent gray and white matter abnormalities in preterm individuals into adulthood.
  • A clear causal link between specific brain structure alterations and IQ reduction in VLBW survivors has been lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal relationship between preterm birth with VLBW, structural brain differences (cortical surface area, subcortical volumes), and cognitive ability (IQ).
  • To identify specific brain regions and structures mediating the cognitive deficits observed in individuals born preterm with VLBW.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective longitudinal cohort study comparing preterm VLBW individuals with term-born controls.
  • Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical volumes.
  • Cognitive ability was assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), analyzing four IQ indices; statistical mediation analyses were performed.

Main Results:

  • Preterm birth with VLBW negatively impacted IQ.
  • Reduced cortical surface area in frontal, temporal, parietal, and insular regions partially mediated this IQ reduction.
  • Reductions in several subcortical brain structure volumes also partially mediated the negative effects of VLBW preterm birth on IQ.
  • Cortical thickness did not show significant mediation effects on IQ.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence of a plausible causal link between reduced regional cortical area and subcortical volumes and lower general cognitive ability in preterm VLBW survivors.
  • These findings highlight specific neuroanatomical correlates of cognitive deficits in this population, offering targets for future research and potential interventions.

Keywords:
Cortical areaIQMediationPretermThalamocorticalVery low birthweight

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