Brain Anatomy in Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Author Information
Author(s): De Bie Henrica M. A., Oostrom Kim J., Boersma Maria, Veltman Dick J., Barkhof Frederik, Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A., van den Heuvel Martijn P.
Primary Institution: Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
How does being born small for gestational age affect brain anatomy in young children?
Conclusion
Children born small for gestational age show significant differences in brain organization compared to healthy controls, with reduced brain volumes and altered cortical thickness.
Supporting Evidence
- SGA children displayed reduced cerebral and cerebellar grey and white matter volumes.
- Smaller volumes of subcortical structures were observed in SGA children.
- Regional differences in prefrontal cortical thickness suggest altered development of the cerebral cortex.
Takeaway
Kids who are born smaller than expected can have different brain shapes and sizes compared to kids who are born at a normal size.
Methodology
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to examine brain anatomy in children aged 4 to 7 years, comparing those born small for gestational age with and without catch-up growth to healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the educational level of parents being higher in the AGA group.
Limitations
The control group was matched based on age and gender but had a higher mean IQ, which may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 4 to 7 years, including 19 born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 36 born small for gestational age (SGA).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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