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Long-Term Effects of Preterm Birth on Children's Brain Structure: An Analysis of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive

Niloy Nath1,2,3, Winnica Beltrano1,2,3, Logan Haynes1,2,3

  • 1Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.

Eneuro
|June 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth impacts brain structure in children aged 9-10, causing cortical thinning and thickening in specific regions. These brain differences are linked to gestational age and birthweight, with implications for long-term development.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB), occurring before 37 weeks gestational age (GA), affects approximately 10% of births.
  • PTB is associated with increased risks for cognitive, behavioral, and mental health challenges in children.
  • Understanding the long-term effects of PTB on brain development is crucial for early intervention and support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of preterm birth on brain structure in middle-late childhood (9-10 years).
  • To examine how gestational age, sex, and birthweight influence the relationship between PTB and brain structure.
  • To determine if observed brain structure differences predict gestational age.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a large and diverse US-based cohort (N≈11,500).
  • Analyzed brain structure, including cortical thickness and surface area, in relation to preterm birth status (moderate and very PTB vs. full term).
  • Controlled for total brain size and investigated the mediating role of birthweight and potential sex differences.

Main Results:

  • Preterm birth was associated with relative cortical thinning in temporoparietal and dorsal prefrontal regions, and thickening in medial prefrontal and occipital regions.
  • Reductions in surface area and subcortical volumes were observed in PTB children, largely attenuated when controlling for brain size.
  • Cortical thickness effects partially mediated by birthweight, with limited evidence of sex differences in PTB effects.
  • Cortical thickness patterns predicted gestational age in a replication sample.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth significantly alters brain structure into late childhood, with distinct patterns of cortical thickness and surface area changes.
  • Gestational age and birthweight are key factors influencing brain development trajectories following preterm birth.
  • These findings enhance our understanding of the neurobiological consequences of preterm birth across the gestational age spectrum.

Keywords:
MRIbirthweightcortical structureneurodevelopmentpreterm birthsubcortical structure

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