Article

AIM: To assess the relation between cerebellar volume and spectroscopy at term
equivalent age, and neurodevelopment at 24 months corrected age in preterm
infants. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed around
term equivalent age in 112 preterm infants (mean gestational age 28wks 3d [SD 1wk
5d]; birthweight 1129g [SD 324g]). Cerebellar volume (60 males, 52 females), and
proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) H-MRS) of the cerebellum in a
subgroup of 58 infants were assessed in relation to cognitive, fine motor, and
gross motor scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III.
Different neonatal variables and maternal education were regarded possible
confounders. RESULTS: Cerebellar volume was significantly associated with
postmenstrual age at time of magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebellar volume
corrected for postmenstrual age was significantly and positively associated with
cognition. Cognitive scores related significantly with N-acetylaspartate/choline
(NAA/Cho) ratio obtained from cerebellar (1) H-MRS in 53 infants. Correction for
neonatal and maternal variables did not change these results. Cerebellar
variables were not related to motor performance. INTERPRETATION: In preterm
infants, both cerebellar volume and cerebellar NAA/Cho ratio at term equivalent
age were positively associated with cognition; however, no relation was found
with motor outcome at 2 years of age. These findings support the importance of
the cerebellum in cognitive development in preterm infants.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2011 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS