Massimo Caulo MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Riccardo Navarra, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gianni Perrucci, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo Sestieri, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chiara Briganti, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Armando Tartaro MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Preterm newborns represent a high risk population for brain damage and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Since both axonal ingrowth and elaboration of synaptic connections occur in the third trimesters, microstructural changes in connectivity could be responsible neurocognitive deficits. We investigated whether the pattern of brain structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) of preterms, as assessed by diffusion tensor (DTI) and resting-state functional-MRI (rs-fMRI), is related to subsequent neuropsychological outcome.

35 preterm newborns (range: 28+4 weeks) were studied at term-corrected age using DTI and rs-fMRI at 3 Tesla. Neonates were sedated for imaging. MRI included conventional sequences followed by two consecutive DTI (6 diffusion gradient directions) and 5-minute resting state BOLD scan. DTI was analyzed using FSL to produce fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps. BOLD data was preprocessed using SPM8 and analyzed using the Group ICA toolbox. A neurological examination and Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale were performed at 6 months corrected age. A two-tailed t-test assessed the presence of significant differences in the measure of FC and SC according to the presence/absence of neurological deficits and periventricular lesions. The Pearson's correlation assessed the presence of significant correlations between measure of FC and SC and score obtained at the Griffiths subscales.

Significantly lower measures of dorsal somato-motor network (dSMN) FC were associated with the presence of both neurological deficits and periventricular lesions at MRI. Furthermore, a robust correlation between dSMN FC and general Griffiths' score and each subscale was observed. In addition mean white matter FA and internal capsule MD were specifically correlated to the motor subscale.

A significant relationship between the pattern of SC and FC, especially involving the motor system, and the degree of neuropsychological development was observed. These results expand our understanding on the alterations in brain maturation that eventually lead to neurodevelopmental disabilities of preterm newborns.

The ability to identify neonates at high risk of sub-optimal neuropsychological development would allow timely referral for therapy and treatment

Caulo, M, Navarra, R, Perrucci, G, Sestieri, C, Briganti, C, Tartaro, A, Perinatal Biomarkers of Adverse Neuropsychological Outcome in Preterm Newborns.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11012068.html