Abstract #2044

Young Adults Born with Very Low Birth Weight Demonstrate Widespread White Matter Abnormalities on Brain DTI

Live Eikenes¹, Jon Skranes², Ann-Mari Brubakk², Asta Hberg³

¹Department of circulation and medical imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; ²Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; ³Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

Preterm birth with very low birth weight (VLBW, ≤ 1500 g) is associated with reduced white matter integrity and connectivity in childhood and adolescence. These changes in white matter are correlated to motor, sensory and neuropsychological impairments. This study demonstrates that preterm birth with VLBW results in significant and long-term irreversible changes in white matter microstructure that may interfere with neuropsychological functioning. Lower birth weight and perinatal problems requiring prolonged treatment on mechanical ventilator and/or intensive care have permanent negative effects on white matter integrity.