Meeting Banner
Abstract #0513

Reduced Connectivity in 7-year-old Preterm Brain Networks Relates to Adverse Perinatal Events, Cognitive and Motor Impairment

Deanne Thompson 1,2 , Jian Chen 1 , Richard Beare 1 , Christopher Adamson 1 , Zohra Ahmadzai 1 , Claire Kelly 1 , Terrie Inder 3 , Lex Doyle 1,4 , Marc Seal 1 , and Peter Anderson 1,5

1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, 2 Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, 3 Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusettes, United States, 4 Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, 5 Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

We aimed to determine whether adverse perinatal events had a lasting effect on white matter connectivity in childhood, and whether difficulties very preterm children face may be explained by altered connections within the brain. We identified specific brain networks where reduced connectivity was associated with lower gestational age, perinatal infection and brain abnormality at term, as well as with impaired IQ and motor functioning at 7 years of age. This study highlights the importance of prevention or intervention following perinatal insults, and increases our understanding of the neurological mechanisms and brain networks underlying impairments common to very preterm children.

This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.

Join Here