Abstract
Background: To investigate whether serial morphometric measurements of the brainstem using high resolution trans-foramen-magnum ultrasound (US) in premature neonates correlate with neurological outcomes. Methods: Serial brain ultrasound scans were performed in 36 consecutive preterm infants born at <34 weeks of gestation from birth until term-equivalent age. Two-dimensional brainstem measurements of the pons and medulla oblongata were compared with those in a cohort of 67 healthy full-term newborns. Neurologic assessment of the premature infants was assessed at 5 years of age. Results: Of the 36 preterm infants born between 25 and 34 weeks of gestation, eight had significantly delayed growth profiles in both the pons and medulla and developed neurological sequelae by 5 years of age. Conclusions: Morphometric measurements of the developing brainstem using high resolution trans-foramen-magnum ultrasound (US) may help predict neurological outcome in high-risk neonates, particularly in those who are born extremely premature.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 770908 |
Journal | Frontiers in Neurology |
Volume | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 24 2021 |
Keywords
- brainstem
- cranial ultrasound
- neurodevelopment
- preterm
- trans-foramen-magnum high resolution ultrasound
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology