Longer gestation is associated with more efficient brain networks in preadolescent children

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental benefits of increased gestation have not been fully characterized in terms of network organization. Since brain function can be understood as an integrated network of neural information from distributed brain regions, investigation of the effects of gestational length on network properties is a critical goal of human developmental neuroscience. Using diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography, we investigated the effects of gestational length on the small-world attributes and rich club organization of 147 preadolescent children, whose gestational length ranged from 29 to 42 weeks. Higher network efficiency was positively associated with longer gestation. The longer gestation was correlated with increased local efficiency in the posterior medial cortex, including the precuneus, cuneus, and superior parietal regions. Rich club organization was also observed indicating the existence of highly interconnected structural hubs formed in preadolescent children. Connectivity among rich club members and from rich club regions was positively associated with the length of gestation, indicating the higher level of topological benefits of structural connectivity from longer gestation in the predominant regions of brain networks. The findings provide evidence that longer gestation is associated with improved topological organization of the preadolescent brain, characterized by the increased communication capacity of the brain network and enhanced directional strength of brain connectivity with central hub regions.

Planned Birth Before 39 Weeks and Child Development: A Population-Based Study

“…The biological underpinning for an elevated risk of poor development is multifactorial and related to the curtailment of brain development, resulting in reduced gray matter volume, underdevelopment of neural and physiologic pathways critical to supporting brain growth postnatally, and subsequent learning difficulties arising from behavioral disorders. 1,2 Although early birth may be indicated and of demonstrated short-term benefit for selected highrisk pregnancies (eg, hypertension, prolonged pregnancy, suspected fetal growth restriction, prelabor rupture of membranes at term), for many conditions evidence is lacking or suggests little benefit (eg, suspected fetal macrosomia, maternal diabetes, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes). 33 -39 Furthermore, clinical research suggests that the threshold for planned birth and the gestational age for intervening has decreased.…”

“…Fetal brain development accelerates rapidly in the later stages of pregnancy from 32 weeks' gestation, making it vulnerable to disruption from shortened gestation. 1,2 There is growing evidence that, in addition to preterm birth (≤37 weeks' gestation), infants born early term (37-38 weeks) have a greater risk of neurodevelopmental impairment or poor school performance compared with infants born at the optimal time. 3 -7 Early childhood development is also important for future educational achievement, health, and well-being, 8 with 11% to 17% of children aged 4 to 6 years considered to be developmentally high risk (DHR) by school age.…”

Alterations in cortical thickness development in preterm-born individuals: Implications for high-order cognitive functions

“…A recent cross-sectional study reported a significant positive association between length of gestation and increased local network efficiency, particularly in bilateral superior parietal cortex (and precuneus) (Kim et al, 2014), which was interpreted by the authors as underlying the impact of length of gestation on structural hubs that are critical for global neural communication and integration (Collin et al, 2014). …”

Preterm birth alters neonatal, functional rich club organization

“…These difficulties persist through adolescence and young adulthood and may be exacerbated by disorders of executive function and attention. Over the past decade, multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of brain connectivity suggest that these difficulties of the prematurely born are related to alterations in functional and structural networks (Kim et al 2014; Constable et al 2012; White et al 2014; Salvan et al 2013). Similarly, PT neonates show disruptions in connectivity (Smyser et al 2010; Doria et al 2010), suggesting that PT birth results in both proximate and long-lasting changes in functional organization of the developing brain.…”