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

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

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.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anthropometry
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Cognition
  • Cognition Disorders
  • Cohort Studies
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Motor Skills
  • Organ Size
  • Risk Factors