Effect of antenatal growth and prematurity on brain white matter: diffusion tensor study

Lepomäki, Virva; Paavilainen, Teemu; Matomäki, Jaakko; Hurme, Saija; Haataja, Leena; Lapinleimu, Helena; Lehtonen, Liisa; Komu, Markku; Parkkola, Riitta

doi:10.1007/s00247-012-2352-z

Cited by 14 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Indeed, most of this research demonstrates that FA and diffusion variations in the CC correlate significantly with gestational age [36] , [38] , [47] , although some found an association with birth weight instead of gestational age [48] . Nevertheless, extreme prematurity and extremely low birth weights imply multiple complications that could influence brain development and may not be applicable to healthy term infants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Gestational Age and Neonatal Brain Microstructure in Term Born Infants: A Birth Cohort Study

Broekman

Rifkin‐Graboi

et al. 2014

PLoS ONE

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ObjectiveUnderstanding healthy brain development in utero is crucial in order to detect abnormal developmental trajectories due to developmental disorders. However, in most studies neuroimaging was done after a significant postnatal period, and in those studies that performed neuroimaging on fetuses, the quality of data has been affected due to complications of scanning during pregnancy. To understand healthy brain development between 37–41 weeks of gestational age, our study assessed the in utero growth of the brain in healthy term born babies with DTI scanning soon after birth.MethodsA cohort of 93 infants recruited from maternity hospitals in Singapore underwent diffusion tensor imaging between 5 to 17 days after birth. We did a cross-sectional examination of white matter microstructure of the brain among healthy term infants as a function of gestational age via voxel-based analysis on fractional anisotropy.ResultsGreater gestational age at birth in term infants was associated with larger fractional anisotropy values in early developing brain regions, when corrected for age at scan. Specifically, it was associated with a cluster located at the corpus callosum (corrected p<0.001), as well as another cluster spanning areas of the anterior corona radiata, anterior limb of internal capsule, and external capsule (corrected p<0.001).ConclusionsOur findings show variation in brain maturation associated with gestational age amongst ‘term’ infants, with increased brain maturation when born with a relatively higher gestational age in comparison to those infants born with a relatively younger gestational age. Future studies should explore if these differences in brain maturation between 37 and 41 weeks of gestational age will persist over time due to development outside the womb.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Gestational Age and Neonatal Brain Microstructure in Term Born Infants: A Birth Cohort Study

Broekman

Rifkin‐Graboi

et al. 2014

PLoS ONE

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“…Previous studies have reported significant associations of birth weight with FA and MD in preterm infants at term‐equivalent ages (Lepomäki et al, ). In this study, with respect to full‐term neonates, both birth weight and crown‐heel length positively correlated with FA and negatively correlated with MD, AD, and RD, indicating more advanced WM maturation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Associations of gestational age and birth anthropometric indicators with brain white matter maturation in full‐term neonates

Jin

et al. 2019

Human Brain Mapping

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Newborn assessments, including gestational age (GA) and anthropometric measurements (birth weight, crown‐heel length, head circumference) are routinely performed in pediatric settings, being used as important indicators in assessing neonatal development. Close associations of these birth indicators with later cognitive abilities were also reported. However, specific associations of these indicators with white matter (WM) development during the neonatal period remain unclear, as well as the extent to which they influence WM maturation. To address this issue, 51 full‐term neonates (GA range, 37–42 weeks) with no abnormalities on MRI were retrospectively recruited. Specific correlations between birth indicators and WM maturation, quantified by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐metrics (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity), were identified by using DTI tract‐based spatial statistics and automated fiber‐tract quantification. Our findings suggest that (a) higher GA, birth weight, and crown‐heel length may indicate greater WM maturation in full‐term neonates, while head circumference presented weak correlation with WM maturation during early newborn period; (b) among the four indicators examined, GA was the one most associated with WM maturation. We believe that this study advances our knowledge of specific correlations between birth indicators and neonatal brain development and provides a valuable reference for future neonatal studies.

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“…Ghods et al [19] demonstrated a positive correlation between head circumference growth and neurodevelopmental outcome. Normal antenatal growth is associated with more mature WM and reduced MD is seen with improved postnatal development and maturation [20]. All observed effects were in the hypothesized direction, suggesting improved maturation of the cerebral connective tracts among infants receiving enhanced nutrition.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhanced Nutrient Supply to Very Low Birth Weight Infants is Associated with Improved White Matter Maturation and Head Growth

Strømmen

Blakstad²,

Moltu³

et al. 2014

Neonatology

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Background: Extrauterine growth restriction is common among very low birth weight infants (VLBW, BW <1,500 g). Optimal postnatal nutrient supply is essential to limit growth restriction and ensure adequate growth and neurodevelopment. Objectives: We compared an enhanced postnatal nutrient supply to a standard supply and evaluated the effects on growth velocity, head circumference growth and cerebral maturation - the latter by magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We hypothesized increased growth velocity, head circumference growth and decreased mean diffusivity (MD) in cerebral white matter (WM) areas, suggesting improved cerebral maturation among infants on the enhanced nutrient supply. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, infants on the enhanced nutrient supply received increased amounts of energy, protein, fat, essential fatty acids and vitamin A until discharge. DTI was performed close to term equivalent age. Outcomes were growth velocity, head circumference growth and WM mean diffusivity. Results: Among the 50 included infants, 14 in the intervention group and 11 controls underwent a successful DTI. Infants on the enhanced diet achieved improved growth velocity (16.5 vs. 13.8 g/kg/day, p = 0.01) and increased head circumference (Δz score: 0.24 vs. -0.12, p = 0.15). A significantly lower MD was seen in a large WM area such as the superior longitudinal fasciculi (1.19 × 10^-3 vs. 1.24 × 10^-3 mm²/s, p = 0.04, adjusted for age when scanned). Conclusions: Enhanced nutrient supply to VLBW infants is associated with improved growth velocity, increased head circumference growth and decreased regional WM mean diffusivity, suggesting improved maturation of cerebral connective tracts.

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Effect of antenatal growth and prematurity on brain white matter: diffusion tensor study

Abstract: Children with low birth weight relative to gestational age show delay and/or anomaly in white matter maturation at term-equivalent age.

Cited by 14 publications

References 27 publications

Gestational Age and Neonatal Brain Microstructure in Term Born Infants: A Birth Cohort Study

Gestational Age and Neonatal Brain Microstructure in Term Born Infants: A Birth Cohort Study

Associations of gestational age and birth anthropometric indicators with brain white matter maturation in full‐term neonates

Enhanced Nutrient Supply to Very Low Birth Weight Infants is Associated with Improved White Matter Maturation and Head Growth

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