Abstract
Background
Microscopic studies in newborns and animal models indicate impaired myelination after
premature birth, particularly for cortical myelination; however, it remains unclear
whether such myelination impairments last into adulthood and, if so, are relevant
for impaired cognitive performance. It has been suggested that the ratio of T1-weighted
(T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity (T1w/T2w ratio)
is a proxy for myelin content. We hypothesized altered gray matter (GM) T1w/T2w ratio
in premature-born adults, which is associated with lower cognitive performance after
premature birth.
Methods
We analyzed GM T1w/T2w ratio in 101 adults born very premature (VP) and/or at very
low birth weight (VLBW) (<32 weeks of gestation and/or birth weight <1500 g) and 109
full-term control subjects at 26 years of age, controlled for voxelwise volume alterations.
Cognitive performance was assessed by verbal, performance, and full scale IQ using
the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
Results
Significantly higher T1w/T2w ratio in VP/VLBW subjects was found bilaterally in widespread
cortical areas, particularly in frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices, and in putamen
and pallidum. In these areas, T1w/T2w ratio was not related to birth variables, such
as gestational age, or IQ scores. In contrast, significantly lower T1w/T2w ratio in
VP/VLBW subjects was found in bilateral clusters in superior temporal gyrus, which
was associated with birth weight in the VP/VLBW group. Furthermore, lower T1w/T2w
ratio in left superior temporal gyrus was associated with lower full scale and verbal
IQ.
Conclusions
Results demonstrate GM T1w/T2w ratio alterations in premature-born adults and suggest
altered GM myelination development after premature birth with lasting and functionally
relevant effects into early adulthood.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 08, 2022
Accepted:
February 28,
2022
Received in revised form:
February 16,
2022
Received:
October 5,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
