A comparision of linear-array and mechanical-sector cranial ultrasound scanning techniques to predict neurodevelopmental outcome at 8 years in preterm newborn infants.

Two methods of neonatal cranial ultrasound (US) scanning, linear-array and mechanical-sector, were compared for their accuracy in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in a cohort of 854, of whom 782 (92%) infants, all born less than 33 weeks of gestation and cared for on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University College Hospital, London between 1979 and 1988, were included in the analysis. A total of 205 infants were studied by linear-array and 577 infants by mechanical-sector scan. Ultrasound findings were grouped into three risk categories on the basis of the US diagnosis.

Brain structure and neurocognitive and behavioural function in adolescents who were born very preterm.

Background: Infants born very preterm (<33 weeks) are at increased risk of neurocognitive deficits. Their neurodevelopmental outcome up to age 8 years can be predicted by neonatal ultrasonography, but little is known of their later function. We investigated the effect of very preterm birth on brain structure and neurocognitive and behavioural functioning in adolescence.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain during acute hypoxia-ischemia and delayed cerebral energy failure in the newborn piglet.

Studies of the brains of severely birth-asphyxiated infants using proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have shown changes indicating a rise in cerebral lactate (Lac) and a fall in N-acetylaspartate (Naa). The aim of this study was to test two hypotheses: 1) that these changes can be reproduced in the newborn piglet after transient reversed cerebral hypoxiaischemia, and their time course determined; and 2) that changes in Lac peak-area ratios are related to changes in phosphorylation potential as determined by phosphorus (31P) MRS. Eighteen piglets aged < 24 h were anesthetized and ventilated.

Very preterm infants at fourteen years: relationship with neonatal ultrasound brain scans and neurodevelopmental status at one year.

A follow-up study was carried out on a cohort of 1142 very preterm (< 33 weeks) survivors who had ultrasound (US) brain scanning from birth. Follow-up was continued into adolescence, and included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain at 14-15 y. Neonatal US findings and neurodevelopmental status at 1 y predicted outcome at 8 and 14 y, including cognitive development, poor interhemispheric interaction and school performance.

Mild hypothermia after severe transient hypoxia-ischemia ameliorates delayed cerebral energy failure in the newborn piglet.

Severely birth-asphyxiated human infants develop delayed ("secondary") cerebral energy failure, which carries a poor prognosis, during the first few days of life. This study tested the hypothesis that mild hypothermia after severe transient cerebral hypoxia-ischemia decreases the severity of delayed energy failure in the newborn piglet. Six piglets underwent temporary occlusion of the common carotid arteries and hypoxemia.