Premium
Diffusion tensor imaging is associated with motor outcomes of very preterm born children at 11 years of age
Author(s) -
Lahti Katri,
Saunavaara Virva,
Munck Petriina,
Uusitalo Karoliina,
Koivisto Mari,
Parkkola Riitta,
Haataja Leena
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.15004
Subject(s) - splenium , corpus callosum , diffusion mri , medicine , fractional anisotropy , gestational age , cerebral palsy , optic radiation , motor skill , pediatrics , physical medicine and rehabilitation , magnetic resonance imaging , anatomy , radiology , psychiatry , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Abstract Aim Very preterm children born <32 weeks of gestation are at risk for motor difficulties such as cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder. This study explores the association between diffusion tensor imaging metrics at term and motor outcomes at 11 years of age. Methods A cohort of 37 very preterm infants (mean gestational age 29 4/7, SD 2 0/7) born in 2004‐2006 in Turku University Hospital underwent diffusion tensor imaging at term. A region of interest analysis of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity was performed. Motor outcomes at 11 years of age were measured with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition. Results The diffusion metrics of the corpus callosum (genu P = .005, splenium P = .049), the left corona radiata ( P = .035) and the right optic radiation ( P = .017) were related to later motor performance. Mean diffusivity decreased and fractional anisotropy increased in proportion to the improving performance. Conclusion The diffusion metrics of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum, the left corona radiata and the right optic radiation at term were associated with motor skills at 11 years of age. Diffusion tensor imaging should be further studied as a potential tool in recognising children at risk for motor impairment.