A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Predictive value of neonatal brain MRI on the neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants by 5 years of age
Authors: Sirkku Setänen, Leena Haataja, Riitta Parkkola, Annika Lind, Liisa Lehtonen, the PIPARI Study Group (incl. Sillanpää M)
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
Publication year: 2013
Journal: Acta Paediatrica -Supplement-
Journal name in source: ACTA PAEDIATRICA
Journal acronym: ACTA PAEDIATR
Number in series: 5
Volume: 102
Issue: 5
First page : 492
Last page: 497
Number of pages: 6
ISSN: 0803-5253
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.12191
Abstract
Aim
To study the prognostic value of MRI in preterm infants at term equivalent age for cognitive development at 5 years of age.
Methods
A total of 217 very low birth weight/very low gestational age infants who all received brain MRI at term equivalent age were categorized into 4 groups based on the brain MRI findings. Cognitive development was assessed at 5 years of chronological age by using a short form of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised. This information was combined with neurosensory diagnoses by 2 years of corrected age.
Results
Of all infants 31 (17.0%) had Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) <85, 14 (6.5%) had cerebral palsy and 4 (1.8%) had severe hearing impairment. A total of 41 (22.0%) infants had some neurodevelopmental impairment at 5 years of age. Considering cognitive outcome (FSIQ <85), the positive predictive value of several major MRI pathologies was 43.8%, and the negative predictive value of normal finding or minor pathologies was 92.0% and 85.7%, respectively.
Conclusion
The MRI of the brain at term equivalent age may be valuable in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants by 5 years of age. The findings should always be interpreted alongside the clinical information of the infant. Furthermore, MRI should not replace a long-term clinical follow-up for very preterm infants.
