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Observational Study
. 2016 Aug;80(2):197-203.
doi: 10.1038/pr.2016.82. Epub 2016 Apr 11.

Altered brain function, structure, and developmental trajectory in children born late preterm

Jane E Brumbaugh  1 , Amy L Conrad  1 , Jessica K Lee  2 , Ian J DeVolder  2 , M Bridget Zimmerman  3 , Vincent A Magnotta  4 , Eric D Axelson  2 , Peggy C Nopoulos  1   2   5
Affiliations
Observational Study

Altered brain function, structure, and developmental trajectory in children born late preterm

Jane E Brumbaugh et al. Pediatr Res. 2016 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Late preterm birth (34-36 wk gestation) is a common occurrence with potential for altered brain development.

Methods: This observational cohort study compared children at age 6-13 y based on the presence or absence of the historical risk factor of late preterm birth. Children completed a battery of cognitive assessments and underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Results: Late preterm children (n = 52) demonstrated slower processing speed (P = 0.035) and scored more poorly in visual-spatial perception (P = 0.032) and memory (P = 0.007) than full-term children (n = 74). Parents of late preterm children reported more behavioral difficulty (P = 0.004). There were no group differences in cognitive ability or academic achievement. Imaging revealed similar intracranial volumes but less total tissue and more cerebrospinal fluid (P = 0.004) for late preterm children compared to full-term children. The tissue difference was driven by differences in the cerebrum (P = 0.028) and distributed across cortical (P = 0.051) and subcortical tissue (P = 0.047). Late preterm children had a relatively smaller thalamus (P = 0.012) than full-term children. Only full-term children demonstrated significant decreases in cortical tissue volume (P < 0.001) and thickness (P < 0.001) with age.

Conclusion: Late preterm birth may affect cognition, behavior, and brain structure well beyond infancy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Developmental trajectory of cortical volume
Relative cortical tissue volume decreased with age in full term children more than in late preterm children (z=−2.34, p=0.019). Open circles and dashed line represent full term children. Filled triangles and solid line represent late preterm children.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Developmental trajectory of cortical thickness
Cortical thickness decreased with age in full term children more than in late preterm children (z=−2.29, p=0.022). Open circles and dashed line represent full term children. Filled triangles and solid line represent late preterm children.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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