Advances in functional and diffusion neuroimaging research into the long-term consequences of very preterm birth

Very preterm birth (<32 weeks of gestation) has been associated with lifelong difficulties in a variety of neurocognitive functions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with advanced analytical approaches have been employed in order to increase our understanding of the neurodevelopmental problems that many very preterm born individuals face as they grow up. In this review, we will focus on two novel imaging techniques that have explored relationships between specific brain mechanisms and behavioural outcomes. These are functional MRI, which maps regional, time-varying changes in brain metabolism and diffusion-weighted MRI, which measures the displacement of water molecules in tissue and provides quantitative information about tissue microstructure. Identifying the neurobiological underpinning of the long-term sequelae associated with very preterm birth could inform the development and implementation of preventative interventions (before any cognitive problem emerges) and could facilitate the identification of behavioural targets for improving the life course outcomes of very preterm individuals.

Automated summary

Studying the neurodevelopmental problems faced by very preterm born individuals using MRI combined with advanced analytical approaches, two novel imaging techniques – functional MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI – have been employed to explore relationships between specific brain mechanisms and behavioral outcomes. Identifying the neurobiological underpinning of long-term sequelae associated with very preterm birth can inform the development of preventative interventions and the improvement of life course outcomes for these individuals.