Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor Cerebral Function Monitor to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Meta-Analysis of Hippocampal Volume and Episodic Memory in Preterm and Term Born Individuals
Dana M McCall1,2, Roya Homayouni3,4, Qijing Yu3
1Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA. andersondana316@gmail.com.
Insights
Preterm birth is linked to smaller hippocampal volume, regardless of total brain size. This meta-analysis confirms reduced hippocampal volume in preterm individuals, impacting memory development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) is associated with cognitive deficits, particularly memory impairments.
- Existing research on hippocampal volume in preterm individuals shows conflicting results.
- It remains unclear if reduced hippocampal volume in preterm individuals is secondary to smaller overall brain size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of preterm birth on hippocampal volume using meta-analysis.
- To determine if hippocampal volume differences are independent of total brain volume.
- To explore the association between hippocampal volume and episodic memory in preterm individuals.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 30 peer-reviewed articles was conducted.
- Data were sourced from PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science.
- Standardized mean differences were calculated for hippocampal volume (uncorrected and corrected) and episodic memory.
Main Results:
- Preterm-born individuals exhibited smaller uncorrected and corrected hippocampal volumes compared to term-born individuals.
- Preterm individuals showed lower episodic memory performance.
- A qualitative review suggested an association between hippocampal volume and episodic memory, though limited by study numbers.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth is associated with significantly reduced hippocampal volume.
- These findings provide robust evidence for the impact of prematurity on brain structure, specifically the hippocampus.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between hippocampal volume and episodic memory deficits in preterm populations.
Abstract:
Preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation) has been associated with memory deficits, which has prompted investigation of possible alterations in hippocampal volume in this population. However, existing literature reports varying effects of premature birth on hippocampal volume. Specifically, it is unclear whether smaller hippocampal volume in preterm-born individuals is merely reflective of smaller total brain volume. Further, it is not clear if hippocampal volume is associated with episodic memory functioning in preterm-born individuals. Meta-analysis was used to investigate the effects of premature birth on hippocampal volume and episodic memory from early development to young adulthood (birth to 26). PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science were searched for English peer-reviewed articles that included hippocampal volume of preterm and term-born individuals. Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria. Separate meta-analyses were used to evaluate standardized mean differences between preterm and term-born individuals in uncorrected and corrected hippocampal volume, as well as verbal and visual episodic memory. Both uncorrected and corrected hippocampal volume were smaller in preterm-born compared to term-born individuals. Although preterm-born individuals had lower episodic memory performance than term-born individuals, the limited number of studies only permitted a qualitative review of the association between episodic memory performance and hippocampal volume. Tested moderators included mean age, pre/post-surfactant era, birth weight, gestational age, demarcation method, magnet strength, and slice thickness. With this meta-analysis, we provide novel evidence of the effects of premature birth on hippocampal volume.
