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Regional homogeneity as a marker of sensory cortex dysmaturity in preterm infants

Srikanth R Damera1, Josepheen De Asis-Cruz1, Kevin M Cook1

  • 1Developing Brain Institute, Children's National, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA.

Iscience
|April 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth alters sensory cortex development, reducing brain connectivity. This may increase neurodevelopmental disability risk, including autism, in infants exposed to early ex-utero environments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Atypical sensory experiences in preterm infants may lead to neurodevelopmental disabilities.
  • Altered sensory cortex development is a potential mechanism linking preterm birth to these disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of early ex-utero exposure on sensory cortex development in preterm infants.
  • To assess differences in local brain connectivity using regional homogeneity (ReHo) between preterm and term-born infants.

Main Methods:

  • Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected from preterm and term-born infants.
  • Regional homogeneity (ReHo), a measure of local functional connectivity, was analyzed.
  • Infants were scanned between 32 and 48 weeks post-menstrual age.

Main Results:

  • The brain-wide distribution of ReHo reflected the established gradient of cortical maturation.
  • Preterm birth was associated with a differential reduction in ReHo across primary sensory cortices.
  • Reduced ReHo in the auditory cortex of preterm infants correlated with a higher risk of autism at 18 months.

Conclusions:

  • Local functional connectivity within sensory cortices exhibits distinct developmental trajectories.
  • Preterm birth significantly impacts sensory cortex development and local connectivity.
  • Altered sensory cortex connectivity in preterm infants may be linked to later neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism.

Keywords:
Biological sciencesCognitive neuroscienceNeuroanatomyNeuroscience

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