Katri Lahti1, Virva Saunavaara2,3, Petriina Munck4, Karoliina Uusitalo1, Mari Koivisto5, Riitta Parkkola6,7, Leena Haataja8. 1. Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. 2. Department of Medical Physics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. 3. Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. 4. Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. 5. Turku University Hospital, Clinical Research Centre, Turku, Finland. 6. Department of Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 7. Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. 8. Children's Hospital, and Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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.
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.
Keywords:
Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition; developmental coordination disorder; diffusion tensor imaging; motor development; very preterm infants
Authors: Karoliina Uusitalo; Leena Haataja; Anna Nyman; Liisi Ripatti; Mira Huhtala; Päivi Rautava; Liisa Lehtonen; Riitta Parkkola; Katri Lahti; Mari Koivisto; Sirkku Setänen Journal: BMJ Paediatr Open Date: 2020-04-06