Does very preterm birth impair myelination of the central nervous system?

Neuropediatrics
M van de BorG J Vielvoye

Abstract

Myelination of the central nervous system (CNS) can be demonstrated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Myelin formation may be reduced in conditions of neonatal "undernutrition". Very preterm infants have a reduced postnatal growth rate when compared with intrauterine fetuses of the same gestational age. Using MR imaging, we studied qualitative myelination patterns in healthy preterm infants of less than 30 weeks gestation with an optimal nutritional intake and in term infants at 44 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). At that age, preterm infants had a significantly lower mean body weight than term infants, but mean head circumference did not differ significantly. All preterm and term infants had reached myelination stage M3 (myelin in brainstem, internal capsule, and corona radiata) and M4 (myelin in brainstem, internal capsule, corona radiata, and centrum semiovale). There was no significant difference in myelination stage between the preterm and term infants. We conclude that adequate nutrition in the neonatal period leads to qualitatively adequate myelination of the CNS in very preterm infants.

Citations

May 1, 1991·Pediatric Neurology·Y KonishiY Ishii
Jun 1, 2005·Brain & Development·Ze Dong JiangAndrew Robert Wilkinson
Jun 1, 1992·Pediatric Annals·R N Ichord
Mar 18, 2006·Neuroimaging Clinics of North America·A J Barkovich
Apr 15, 2014·Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology·Ze D JiangCao Chen
Feb 25, 2003·Neonatal Network : NN·Isabell B Purdy, Dorothy J Wiley
Apr 1, 1995·British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·M Weindling

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Brain developing: Influences & Outcomes

This feed focuses on influences that affect the developing brain including genetics, fetal development, prenatal care, and gene-environment interactions. Here is the latest research in this field.