The cingulum in very preterm infants relates to language and social-emotional impairment at 2 years of term-equivalent age

Our objective was to evaluate the independent prognostic value of a novel MRI biomarker − objectively diagnosed diffuse white matter abnormality volume (DWMA; diffuse excessive high signal intensity) − for prediction of motor outcomes in very preterm infants. We prospectively enrolled a geographically-based cohort of very preterm infants without severe brain injury and born before 32 weeks gestational age. Structural brain MRI was obtained at term-equivalent age and DWMA volume was objectively quantified using a published validated algorithm. These results were compared with visually classified DWMA. We used multivariable linear regression to assess the value of DWMA volume, independent of known predictors, to predict motor development as assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant & Toddler Development, Third Edition at 3 years of age. The mean (SD) gestational age of the cohort was 28.3 (2.4) weeks. In multivariable analyses, controlling for gestational age, sex, and abnormality on structural MRI, DWMA volume was an independent prognostic biomarker of Bayley Motor scores (β= −12.59 [95% CI: −18.70, −6.48] R2=0.41). Conversely, visually classified DWMA was not predictive of motor development. In conclusion, objectively quantified DWMA is an independent prognostic biomarker of long-term motor development in very preterm infants and warrants further study.

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Stereophotogrammetric head shape assessment in neonates is feasible and can identify distinct differences between term-born and very preterm infants at term equivalent age

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-00680-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Petra Santander ◽

Anja Quast ◽

Johanna Hubbert ◽

Laura Juenemann ◽

Sebastian Horn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Total Duration ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcome ◽

Small Sample ◽

Head Shape ◽

Term Infants ◽

Very Preterm Infants ◽

Equivalent Age ◽

Very Preterm

AbstractThe development of head shape and volume may reflect neurodevelopmental outcome and therefore is of paramount importance in neonatal care. Here, we compare head morphology in 25 very preterm infants with a birth weight of below 1500 g and / or a gestational age (GA) before 32 completed weeks to 25 term infants with a GA of 37–42 weeks at term equivalent age (TEA) and identify possible risk factors for non-synostotic head shape deformities. For three-dimensional head assessments, a portable stereophotogrammetric device was used. The most common and distinct head shape deformity in preterm infants was dolichocephaly. Severity of dolichocephaly correlated with GA and body weight at TEA but not with other factors such as neonatal morbidity, sex or total duration of respiratory support. Head circumference (HC) and cranial volume (CV) were not significantly different between the preterm and term infant group. Digitally measured HC and the CV significantly correlated even in infants with head shape deformities. Our study shows that stereophotogrammetric head assessment is feasible in all preterm and term infants and provides valuable information on volumetry and comprehensive head shape characteristics. In a small sample of preterm infants, body weight at TEA was identified as a specific risk factor for the development of dolichocephaly.

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