Abstract
We examine the coherence in the spontaneous brain activity of sleeping children as measured by the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals. The results are described in terms of resting-state networks (RSN) and their properties. More specifically, in this study we examine the effect of severe prematurity on the spatial location of the visual, temporal, motor, basal ganglia, and the default mode networks, the temporal response properties of each of these networks, and the functional connectivity between them. Our results suggest that the anatomical locations of the RSNs are well developed by 18 months of age and their spatial locations are not distinguishable between premature and term born infants at 18 months or at 36 months, with the exception of small spatial differences noted in the basal ganglia area and the visual cortex. The two major differences between term and pre-term children were present at 36 but not 18 months and include: (1) increased spectral energy in the low frequency range (0.01–0.06 Hz) for pre-term children in the basal ganglia component, and (2) stronger connectivity between RSNs in term children. We speculate that children born very prematurely are vulnerable to injury resulting in weaker connectivity between resting-state networks by 36 months of age. Further work is required to determine whether this could be a clinically useful tool to identify children at risk of developmental delay related to premature birth.
Highlights
Patterns of low frequency spontaneous correlations in large-scale brain regions in humans have been detected (Biswal et al, 1995) from blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging signals collected at rest
In this paper we study the maturation of resting-state networks (RSN) functional connectivity during early human development in healthy term born children and in former premature children between 18 and 36 months of age
Except for the right and left lateral frontoparietal networks, we found all other major RSNs found in adults
Summary
Patterns of low frequency spontaneous correlations in large-scale brain regions in humans have been detected (Biswal et al, 1995) from blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals collected at rest These correlations are used to obtain resting-state networks (RSNs), which may represent functional connectivity within the brain, and have been largely studied in adult populations (Buckner et al, 2008). Almost half of the ELBW infants go on to develop moderate to severe cognitive intellectual impairment (Hack et al, 2004; Taylor et al, 2004; Vohr et al, 2004; WilsonCostello et al, 2005) and even premature children with normal IQs are at high risk for school failure due to deficits in executive function (Vicari et al, 2004). Because earlier treatment is generally more effective for neurocognitive problems associated with prematurity, a method of more accurately identifying those children at risk for developmental delay would be of tremendous clinical benefit
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
