Effects of very low birth weight on brain white matter measured by voxelwise diffusion tensor imaging in adolescents without neuromotor and cognitive deficits

Ming Chung Chou, Ming Ting Wu, Hsiu Lin Chen, Pinchen Yang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We applied voxelwise diffusion tensor magnetic imaging studying in a group of early adolescents born with very low birth weight (VLBW) who were currently without cognitive and neuromotor deficits. Our goal was to globally detect white matter alterations and explore their relationships with emotional-behavioral symptoms in this subgroup of VLBW adolescents. Subjects consisted of 24 adolescents: 12 VLBW adolescents (M:F=7:5, with average 13.1 years, birth weight of 998.3 grams and IQ of 86.8) and 12 healthy adolescents born full term (M:F=6:6, with average 13.7 years, birth weight of 3356.7 grams). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on a 3.0T scanner to acquire diffusion tensor imaging data. Voxel-based analysis was performed on individual fractional anisotropy (FA) maps. Emotional behavioral symptoms were investigated with the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment and parentcompleted Hyperactivity-Impulsivity-Inattention Rating scale. Differences between groups were analyzed. Relationships between emotional-behavioral symptoms and brain structures were explored. In the VLBW group, lower FA was observed in several white matter tracks, including the bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, right superior corona radiate and bilateral cingulum. There were more emotional-behavioral symptoms reported in VLBW group and FA correlated negatively with the symptoms measures. We concluded that being born with very low birth weight might have lasting effect on white matter in adolescents who were without neurological or cognitive disabilities. White matter tract integrity index may be a biomarker of increased risk of emotional-behavioral problems in child development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)201-207
Number of pages7
JournalNeuropsychiatry
Volume6
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Brain white matter
  • Cognitive deficits
  • DTI
  • Low birth weight
  • Neuromotor

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