Abnormal orbitofrontal development due to prematurity

Objective: To investigate the effects of prematurity on sulcal formation. Methods: We evaluated the depth and volume of the primary olfactory sulcus (developed at 16 weeks' gestation) and the secondary orbital sulci (which start to develop at 28 weeks' gestation) in a sample of 22 adolesce...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Giménez Navarro, Mónica, Junqué i Plaja, Carme, 1955-, Vendrell i Gómez, Pere, Narberhaus, Ana, Bargalló Alabart, Núria, Botet Mussons, Francisco, Mercader Sobrequés, José Ma.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2006
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/223458
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/223458
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Neurologia dels nadons
Infants prematurs
Malformacions
Crani
Neonatal neurology
Premature infants
Human abnormalities
Skull
Descripción
Sumario:Objective: To investigate the effects of prematurity on sulcal formation. Methods: We evaluated the depth and volume of the primary olfactory sulcus (developed at 16 weeks' gestation) and the secondary orbital sulci (which start to develop at 28 weeks' gestation) in a sample of 22 adolescents with history of very-preterm birth (VPTB). We compared this preterm sample with a sample of subjects born at term and matched by age, gender, and sociocultural status. The Anatomist/BrainVISA 3.0.1 package was used to identify and quantify the sulci. In addition, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to analyze possible reductions of gray and white matter in the orbitofrontal area. Results: Compared with controls, we found a significant reduction in the secondary sulci depth but not in the primary sulcus in the VPTB. VBM analysis showed reduced gray-matter volume in VPTB in the orbital region. Conclusions: Premature birth affects cerebral gyrification, and this impairment is not reversible during childhood. Identification of the specific factors involved in abnormal brain maturation may lead to effective interventions.