Dose-Dependent Effects of Preterm Birth and Brain Injury on Superficial White Matter Microstructure and Development

Motivation: As the last myelinated structure, SWM is most affected by prematurity. Early exposure to the environment might injure the organization of SWM and lead to psychiatric disorders later in life. Goal(s): To detect the impact of both preterm birth and “abnormal” brain injury on SWM microstructure. Approach: TBSS method was used to track SWM in preterm infants of different degrees. The study aimed to detect changes in diffusion indices over time and identify distinct manifestations within the brain injury group. Results: We were surprised to find that different degrees of preterm birth have different effects on the microstructure of superficial white matter. Impact: The dose-dependent effect of preterm birth on SWM microstructure/developmental pattern. Further study the dynamic developmental association between SWM structure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in elderly children to gain a deeper understanding of the role of SWM in brain functional development.