Elsevier

NeuroImage: Clinical

Volume 16, 2017, Pages 268-275
NeuroImage: Clinical

White matter microstructure of 6-year old children born preterm and full term

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2017.08.005Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • White matter properties are different in preterm and full term children at age 6 years.

  • Complex PT-FT differences in fractional anisotropy resemble differences found at 9–17 years.

  • PT-FT differences in fractional anisotropy generalize across two dMRI protocols.

  • PT showed higher fractional anisotropy than FT in specific tracts.

Abstract

Aim

We previously observed a complex pattern of differences in white matter (WM) microstructure between preterm-born (PT) and full-term-born (FT) children and adolescents age 9–17 years. The aim of this study was to determine if the same differences exist as early as age 6 years.

Method

We obtained diffusion MRI (dMRI) scans in children born PT at age 6 years (n = 20; 11 males) and FT (n = 38; 14 males), using two scanning protocols: 30 diffusion directions (b = 1000 s/mm2) and 96 diffusion directions (b = 2500 s/mm2). We used deterministic tractography and analyzed fractional anisotropy (FA) along bilateral cerebral WM pathways that demonstrated differences in the older sample.

Results

Compared to the FT group, the PT group showed (1) significantly decreased FA in the uncinate fasciculi and forceps major and (2) significantly increased FA in the right anterior thalamic radiation, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculi, and inferior longitudinal fasciculi. This pattern of group differences resembles findings in the previous study of older PT and FT participants. Group differences were similar across dMRI acquisition protocols.

Interpretation

The underlying neurobiology driving the pattern of PT-FT differences in FA is present as early as age 6 years. Generalization across dMRI acquisition protocols demonstrates the robustness of group differences in FA. Future studies will use quantitative neuroimaging techniques to understand the tissue properties that give rise to this consistent pattern of WM differences after PT birth.

Keywords

Diffusion tensor imaging
White matter
Prematurity
Development
Tractography

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