fMRI and DTI in Children with PVH/PVL
Project Description:
Children born prematurely are at risk for white matter injury associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The goal of this study is to relate the degree and patterns of white matter damage from PVH and PVL to linguistic and cognitive outcomes. Two sophisticated MRI procedures will complement behavioral testing. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) provides detailed voxel-based quantitative information on the integrity of white matter microstructure; functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) characterizes the patterns of neural activity underlying cognitive skills. The combination of methods allow us to link brain structure, brain functioning, and behavioral outcomes. Participants will be 40 adolescents, 9 to 14 years old, with PVH or PVL from preterm delivery. Two control groups (children born prematurely and children born at term) matched for age, gender and socioeconomic status (SES) will clarify the contribution of white matter damage versus other influences, such as age and premature delivery, on outcomes. This study will contribute to understanding the outcomes of white matter injury, an important issue because of the large number of affected infants. It will also contribute to understanding the impact of white matter injury and the development of cortical plasticity after early brain injuries.
Keyword(s):
Neuroimaging, fMRI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Prematurity
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Geographic Area - Other, Other
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
