PS-333 Do Clinical Risk Factors Affect White Matter Microstructural Integrity (fa) At Term Equivalent Age In A Multi-centre Cohort Of Preterm Neonates?

Abstract

Background and aims We aimed to investigate the effect of clinical risk factors on white matter structural integrity at term equivalent age (TEA), as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA). Methods Diffusion tensor imaging of sufficient quality was available for 182 infants (gestational age (GA) 7 days, morphine (yes/no), post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD), surgery, postmenstrual age at scanning (PMA) and participating centre. A cut-off value of p Results Statistically significant positive associations with FA were found for PMA in PLIC (right), Superior Corona Radiata and Posterior Corona Radiata (left) and GA in Corpus Callosum, Sagittal Stratum (left), Posterior Thalamic Radiation (left). Statistically significant negative associations with FA were found for Surgery in Sagittal Stratum (right) and IUGR in Posterior Thalamic Radiation (left). Centre was significantly associated with FA in 8/14 brain regions. Conclusion The microstructure of the preterm brain at TEA depends on GA and PMA at scan, IUGR and surgery. A possible interaction between surgery and morphine warrants further investigation.