Hippocampal volume and memory and learning outcomes at 7 years in children born very preterm.
Using magnetic resonance imaging, this study compared hippocampal volume between 145 very preterm children and 34 children born full-term at 7 years of age. The relationship between hippocampal volume and memory and learning impairments at 7 years was also investigated. Manual hippocampal segmentation and subsequent three-dimensional volumetric analysis revealed reduced hippocampal volumes in very preterm children compared with term peers. However, this relationship did not remain after correcting for whole brain volume and neonatal brain abnormality. Contrary to expectations, hippocampal volume in the very preterm cohort was not related to memory and learning outcomes. Further research investigating the effects of very preterm birth on more extensive networks in the brain that support memory and learning in middle childhood is needed.
1 Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Cristina
C
Omizzolo
Deanne K
DK
Thompson
Shannon E
SE
Scratch
Robyn
R
Stargatt
Katherine J
KJ
Lee
Jeanie
J
Cheong
Gehan
G
Roberts
Lex W
LW
Doyle
Peter J
PJ
Anderson
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D016014:Linear Models; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology*