Severity of punctate white matter lesions in preterm infants: antecedents and cerebral palsy prediction

Punctate white matter lesions (PWML) are commonly seen on MRI scans in preterm infants, yet the antecedent factors associated with PWML are not well characterized. While prior literature is conflicting on the ability of PWML to predict neurodevelopmental impairments, our study demonstrated that objectively quantified PWML are independently predictive of the development of cerebral palsy. We identified modifiable factors such as histologic chorioamnionitis as a risk factor and antenatal corticosteroids as a protective factor against PWML development. Our findings may facilitate earlier identification of infants at risk for PWML and cerebral palsy.