A proposed neuropathological basis for learning disabilities in children born prematurely

Abstract

This study aimed at providing understanding of the etiology and mechanisms responsible for the learning and behavioral disabilities in the increasing numbers of survivors of neonatal intensive care units who develop MBD/LD-type (minimal brain dysfunction, learning disabilities) complications. The brains of 16 premature infants who died within the first month of life were studied by microscopic examination. Significant neuropathological findings in gray-matter and white-matter were found in many areas, including both superficial cortical and deep basal brain structures. These lesions are postulated to be precursors to later LD and MBD syndromes in infants who survive, such that similar lesions of varying severity correlate with varying degrees of brain dysfunction. Premature infants who survive are known from other studies to be high-risk candidates for LD- and MBD- type developmental disabilities.