Structure and function: how to connect?
BACKGROUND
The majority, but not all, of very preterm-born infants have difficulties with a variety of cognitive functions as children. It is critical to be able to predict as early as possible those who will have difficulties, to be able to direct appropriate interventions.


METHODS
We are conducting multimodal structural and functional MRI studies in very preterm-born infants and following them with behavioural and neuroimaging assessments until 4 years of age. We are also completing structural and more complex functional imaging in school-aged very preterm-born children.


RESULTS
A number of MRI measures between preterm and term age correlate with outcome at 2 years of age. Functional and structural differences are also seen at school age; examples from these various studies are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Structural and functional studies in preterm-born versus term-born infants and children, particularly if completed longitudinally, provide important information on the evolution of brain-behaviour correlates and can help predict outcome in this high-risk population.
Diagnostic Imaging, Neurosciences and Mental Health Programme, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. margot.taylor@sickkids.ca
Margot J
MJ
Taylor
D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship