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Pediatric Radiology

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Open Access 01-12-2007 | Original Article

Fractional anisotropy in white matter tracts of very-low-birth-weight infants

Authors: Jeroen Dudink, Maarten Lequin, Carola van Pul, Jan Buijs, Nikk Conneman, Johannes van Goudoever, Paul Govaert

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 12/2007

Abstract

Background

Advances in neonatal intensive care have not yet reduced the high incidence of neurodevelopmental disability among very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. As neurological deficits are related to white-matter injury, early detection is important. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) could be an excellent tool for assessment of white-matter injury.

Objective

To provide DTI fractional anisotropy (FA) reference values for white-matter tracts of VLBW infants for clinical use.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analysed DTI images of 28 VLBW infants (26–32 weeks gestational age) without evidence of white-matter abnormalities on conventional MRI sequences, and normal developmental outcome (assessed at age 1–3 years). For DTI an echoplanar sequence with diffusion gradient (b = 1,000 s/mm²) applied in 25 non-collinear directions was used. We measured FA and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of different white-matter tracts in the first 4 days of life.

Results

A statistically significant correlation was found between gestational age and FA of the posterior limb of the internal capsule in VLBW infants (r = 0.495, P<0.01).

Conclusion

Values of FA and ADC were measured in white-matter tracts of VLBW infants. FA of the pyramidal tracts measured in the first few days after birth is related to gestational age.

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Title: Fractional anisotropy in white matter tracts of very-low-birth-weight infants
Authors: Jeroen Dudink
Maarten Lequin
Carola van Pul
Jan Buijs
Nikk Conneman
Johannes van Goudoever
Paul Govaert
Publication date: 01-12-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 12/2007
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-007-0626-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Fractional anisotropy in white matter tracts of very-low-birth-weight infants

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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