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 languageEnglish
Article number770908
JournalFrontiers in Neurology
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 24 2021

Keywords

  • brainstem
  • cranial ultrasound
  • neurodevelopment
  • preterm
  • trans-foramen-magnum high resolution ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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