Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods
08:28

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods

Published on: March 10, 2020

7.4K

Opioid exposure on the preterm brain: qualitative and quantitative MRI analysis

S de Munck1, F Savvopoulos2, J Dudink3

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Intensive Care Medicine. Paediatric and Neonatal
|February 2, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neonatal opioid exposure in preterm infants is linked to worse early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, early MRI brain measures did not predict these long-term effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal neuroscience
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Opioid exposure in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is common for preterm infants.
  • The impact of neonatal opioid exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes requires further investigation.
  • The role of early brain MRI measures in modifying this association is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if neonatal opioid exposure affects neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
  • To assess if early qualitative (lesions) or quantitative (volumetric) brain MRI measures modify this association.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 280 preterm infants (≤30 weeks gestation).
  • Brain MRI at ~30 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) for injury scoring and volumetric analysis.
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment at ages 2 (Bayley-III) and 5 (WPPSI-III, M-ABC-2).
  • Multivariable regression and interaction models analyzed associations.

Main Results:

  • Opioid exposure correlated with lower cognitive scores at age 2 and poorer motor scores at age 5.
  • Increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation observed with opioid use.
  • No significant association found between opioid exposure and brain volumes or lesion presence.
  • No significant interaction identified between opioid exposure and brain measures on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal opioid exposure is associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood.
  • Early MRI-assessed brain injury or volumes did not appear to modify the association.
  • Longitudinal studies and advanced imaging may offer deeper insights into opioid's long-term neurodevelopmental effects.

More Related Videos

Whole-brain Segmentation and Change-point Analysis of Anatomical Brain MRI—Application in Premanifest Huntington's Disease09:06

Whole-brain Segmentation and Change-point Analysis of Anatomical Brain MRI—Application in Premanifest Huntington's Disease

Published on: June 9, 2018

12.6K
Author Spotlight: Quantifying Siderophores and Pyochelin for Infection Control05:09

Author Spotlight: Quantifying Siderophores and Pyochelin for Infection Control

Published on: March 15, 2024

6.0K

Related Concept Videos

Qualitative Analysis03:46

Qualitative Analysis

For solutions containing mixtures of different cations, the identity of each cation can be determined by qualitative analysis. This technique involves a series of selective precipitations with different chemical reagents, each reaction producing a characteristic precipitate for a specific group of cations. Metal ions within a group are further separated by varying the pH, heating the mixture to redissolve a precipitate, or adding other reagents to form complex ions.
For instance, group IV...
24.3K
Qualitative Analysis01:10

Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative analysis is the process of identifying elements, ions, or compounds in an unknown sample. It is the first and most fundamental type of analysis based on the hierarchy of analytical goals. This hierarchy is significant as it provides a structured approach to scientific research, with qualitative analysis serving as the initial step, providing essential information before moving on to quantitative or other forms of analysis.
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...
1.4K
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids01:15

Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids

Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
1.1K
Quantitative Analysis01:12

Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative analysis is a technique for measuring the amount of specific constituents in a sample. When the sample's composition is unknown, qualitative analysis is performed first to identify its components, which ensures that the correct substances are measured during the quantitative phase.
In quantitative analysis, two key measurements are made: the sample quantity and a property proportional to the amount of the analyte (the substance being analyzed). This forms the basis of the...
1.4K
Opioid Receptors: Overview01:22

Opioid Receptors: Overview

Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
4.3K
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners01:20

Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners

Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
1.0K