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Brain network evolution in late preterm to term infants: a near-infrared spectroscopy imaging study
Cheng Peng1, Fengyu Sun1, Lili Liu1,2
1Peking University First Hospital, Children's Medical Center, Beijing, China.
Neurophotonics
|September 29, 2025
Summary
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) revealed significant brain network changes around 37 weeks gestational age (GA) in neonates. This finding is crucial for understanding preterm infant neurodevelopment and guiding early interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Neonatal brain development is critical for long-term outcomes, especially in preterm infants.
- Understanding the evolution of brain networks in early life is essential for identifying developmental trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the developmental changes in brain network connectivity in late preterm and term neonates using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
- To identify specific gestational age (GA) milestones associated with significant shifts in neonatal brain connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fNIRS to record brain activity in neonates with GA between 33 and 41 weeks.
- Applied multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to identify patterns of connectivity changes.
- Focused analysis on parietal lobe (PL)-centered connectivity.
Main Results:
- Observed significant developmental changes in brain network connectivity around 37 weeks GA.
- Found enhanced functional connectivity, particularly within PL-centered networks.
- Achieved high classification accuracy (74-81%) distinguishing neonates based on GA using PL-centered connectivity patterns.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age critically shapes neonatal brain network organization.
- Findings provide insights for early intervention strategies in preterm infants.
- fNIRS and MVPA are effective tools for assessing neonatal brain development.
