Plomgaard AM, Andersen AD, Petersen TH, van de Looij Y, Thymann T, Sangild PT, Thomsen C, Sizonenko SV, Greisen G. Structural brain maturation differs between preterm and term piglets, whereas brain activity does not.
Acta Paediatr 2019;
108:637-644. [PMID:
30144173 DOI:
10.1111/apa.14556]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM
The aim of the study was to investigate whether amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preterm piglets would provide measures of cerebral functional, microstructural and anatomical maturation, which might reflect the signs of functional brain immaturity, documented in preterm piglets.
METHODS
During July-October 2013 at the NEOMUNE Centre, Copenhagen University, Denmark, 31 preterm (90% gestation) and 10 term piglets underwent aEEG on days 1, 2, 4 and 11, and MRI on day 25. Physical activity levels were recorded.
RESULTS
Preterm showed delayed neonatal arousal and physical activity, relative to term piglets. Preterm piglets had lower growth rates and brain volume than term piglets, but aEEG patterns were similar. MRI mean diffusivity was also similar, but fractional anisotropy (FA) was lower in preterm piglets (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Functional brain maturation, as assessed by aEEG, was relatively advanced in preterm piglets. Conversely, the low FA in the preterm piglets suggests that the white matter microstructure remains less mature in preterm compared to term piglets at postnatal day 25. The results might be utilised to define whether and how preterm piglets may contribute to preclinical models for brain development in preterm infants.
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