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. 2016 May;79(5):723-30.
doi: 10.1038/pr.2016.11. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Early postnatal docosahexaenoic acid levels and improved preterm brain development

Emily W Y Tam  1 , Vann Chau  1 , A James Barkovich  2   3   4 , Donna M Ferriero  2   3 , Steven P Miller  1   5 , Elizabeth E Rogers  3 , Ruth E Grunau  5 , Anne R Synnes  5 , Duan Xu  4 , Justin Foong  1   6 , Rollin Brant  7 , Sheila M Innis  5
Affiliations

Early postnatal docosahexaenoic acid levels and improved preterm brain development

Emily W Y Tam et al. Pediatr Res. 2016 May.

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth has a dramatic impact on polyunsaturated fatty acid exposures for the developing brain. This study examined the association between postnatal fatty acid levels and measures of brain injury and development, as well as outcomes.

Methods: A cohort of 60 preterm newborns (24-32 wk gestational age) was assessed using early and near-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Red blood cell fatty acid composition was analyzed coordinated with each scan. Outcome at a mean of 33 mo corrected age was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition.

Results: Adjusting for confounders, a 1% increase in postnatal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels at early MRI was associated with 4.3-fold decreased odds of intraventricular hemorrhage, but was not associated with white matter injury or cerebellar haemorrhage. Higher DHA and lower linoleic acid (LA) levels at early MRI were associated with lower diffusivity in white matter tracts and corresponding improved developmental scores in follow-up.

Conclusion: Higher DHA and lower LA levels in the first few weeks of life are associated with decreased intraventricular haemorrhage, improved microstructural brain development, and improved outcomes in preterm born children. Early and possibly antenatal interventions in high-risk pregnancies need to be studied for potential benefits in preterm developmental outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Percent red blood cell DHA and IVH
Boxplot is divided into infants with no, mild (grade 1–2), or severe (grade 3–4) IVH.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Axial fractional anisotropy maps showing the white matter skeleton in green
Regions of the white matter skeleton showing significant associations between early preterm red blood cell docosahexaenoic acid levels and (A) fractional anisotropy, (B) axial diffusivity, and (C) radial diffusivity are highlighted in shades ranging from yellow (P=0.05) to red (P=0.00). Regions of interest in the PLIC and OR are marked in blue.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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