Abnormal brain maturation in preterm neonates associated with adverse developmental outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Our objective was to determine the association of early brain maturation with neurodevelopmental outcome in premature neonates.

Methods

Neonates born between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation (April 2006 to August 2010) were prospectively studied with MRI early in life and again at term-equivalent age. Using diffusion tensor imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, fractional anisotropy (FA) (microstructure) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/choline (metabolism) were measured from the basal nuclei, white matter tracts, and superior white matter. Brain maturation is characterized by increasing FA and NAA/choline from early in life to term-equivalent age. In premature neonates, systemic illness and critical care therapies have been linked to abnormalities of these me

SUBMITTER: Chau V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3863348 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature