Exploring the development of glymphatic system function in very preterm infants through the diffusion along perivascular space index

Motivation: Despite white matter perivascular spaces visual grades in preterm was not different from term infants, whether the glymphatic system function differently with preterm and term infants remains unclear. Goal(s): Exploring development of glymphatic system function in very preterm (VP) infants, comparing with term infants. Approach: The diffusion along perivascular space index (ALPS) was used to evaluate the glymphatic system function via diffusion tensor images (DTI). Results: The DTI-ALPS index was significantly lower in VP neonates than VP infants at term equivalent age (TEA) or term neonates. However, the DTI-ALPS index in VP infants at TEA was not found differences with term neonates. Impact: The glymphatic system function was developing with gestational age, while very preterm infants presented “catch-up” growth pattern up to TEA.