Early development of structural networks and the impact of prematurity on brain connectivity.
Early development of structural networks and the impact of prematurity on brain connectivity.
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DOI：
10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.01.065
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发表时间：
2017-04-01
期刊：
影响因子：
5.7
通讯作者：
Counsell SJ
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Batalle D;Hughes EJ;Zhang H;Tournier JD;Tusor N;Aljabar P;Wali L;Alexander DC;Hajnal JV;Nosarti C;Edwards AD;Counsell SJ
早产儿面临神经发育受损的高风险，这可能是由于大脑连接性发育改变所致。我们的目的是：（i）使用图论方法评估胎龄25至45周的大脑结构发育情况；（ii）验证早产是否会导致白质网络拓扑结构改变这一假设。65名婴儿在胎龄25周 + 3天至45周 + 6天之间接受了磁共振成像检查。利用约束球形反卷积纤维束成像技术构建结构网络，并根据白质微观结构指标（分数各向异性、神经突密度和方向分散指数）进行加权。我们观察到大脑成熟存在区域差异，在此期间，与深部灰质之间的连接显示出最快速的发育变化。额叶内、额叶至扣带回、额叶至尾状核以及半球间的连接成熟较慢。我们发现了一组关键连接的核心部分，其不受出生时胎龄的影响。然而，涉及丘脑、小脑、额上叶、扣带回以及短程皮质 - 皮质连接的局部连接与早产程度有关，并导致大脑结构网络的整体拓扑结构改变。以局部连接为代价相对保留核心连接可能有助于早产儿更有效地利用受损的白质储备。
基于微观结构特征加权的早产儿大脑网络的首次特征描述。
早产儿大脑的核心连接发育具有抗干扰性。
与认知和行为相关的周边连接更易受损。
Preterm infants are at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment, which may be due to altered development of brain connectivity. We aimed to (i) assess structural brain development from 25 to 45 weeks gestational age (GA) using graph theoretical approaches and (ii) test the hypothesis that preterm birth results in altered white matter network topology. Sixty-five infants underwent MRI between 25+3 and 45+6 weeks GA. Structural networks were constructed using constrained spherical deconvolution tractography and were weighted by measures of white matter microstructure (fractional anisotropy, neurite density and orientation dispersion index). We observed regional differences in brain maturation, with connections to and from deep grey matter showing most rapid developmental changes during this period. Intra-frontal, frontal to cingulate, frontal to caudate and inter-hemispheric connections matured more slowly. We demonstrated a core of key connections that was not affected by GA at birth. However, local connectivity involving thalamus, cerebellum, superior frontal lobe, cingulate gyrus and short range cortico-cortical connections was related to the degree of prematurity and contributed to altered global topology of the structural brain network. The relative preservation of core connections at the expense of local connections may support more effective use of impaired white matter reserve following preterm birth. First characterisation of preterm brain networks weighted by microstructural features. Preterm brain is resistant to disruptions in development of core connections. Peripheral connections associated with cognition and behaviour are more vulnerable.