Article

AIM: To characterize corpus callosum development in neonates born very preterm
from early in life to term-equivalent age and its relationship with
neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months corrected age. METHOD: In a prospective
cohort of 193 neonates born preterm, 24 to 32 weeks' gestation, we used magnetic
resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging acquired early in life (n=193) and
at term-equivalent age (n=159) to measure corpus callosum development:
mid-sagittal area (including corpus callosum subdivisions) and length, and
fractional anisotropy from the genu and splenium. We examined the association of
(1) intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and white matter injury (WMI) severity,
and (2) neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months corrected age with corpus
callosum development. RESULTS: Severe WMI and severe IVH were strongly associated
with reduced corpus callosum area (both p<0.001) and WMI with lower fractional
anisotropy (p=0.002). Mild WMI predicted smaller corpus callosum area only
posteriorly; mild IVH predicted smaller area throughout.
Adverse motor outcome
was associated with smaller corpus callosum size in the posterior subdivision
(p=0.003). Abnormal cognitive outcomes were associated with lower corpus callosum
fractional anisotropy (p=0.008). INTERPRETATION: In newborn infants born very
preterm, brain injury is associated with changes in simple metrics of corpus
callosum development. In this population, the development of the corpus callosum,
as reflected by size and microstructure, is associated with neurodevelopmental
outcomes at 18 months corrected age.
CI - (c) 2016 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS