Abstract
Objective:
Several studies have shown a relation between the size of corpus callosum (CC) and outcome in preterm infants. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) offers new perspectives in cerebral imaging. To establish reference values for biometry of the CC in very low birth weight infants and to correlate these measurements to neurodevelopmental outcome at 5 years of age.
Study Design:
Forty-three preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks were included. Transfontanellar 3D-US measurements were obtained at nine different timepoints.
Results:
3D-US-based reference values for size, length, circumference and surface area of the CC could be established. Measurements at term-equivalent age showed a correlation to neurodevelopment outcome.
Conclusion:
Reliable biometric data of the CC can be established in preterm infants by 3D-US and correlate with neurodevelopmental outcome.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the medical and nursing team of the NICU at the Medical Universitiy of Vienna for their help in carrying out this study and all parents and patients enabling this study. This study was supported by a grant from the ‘Medizinisch-Wissenschaftlichen Fonds des Bürgermeisters der Bundeshauptstadt Wien’ (medical-scientific fund of the Mayor of Vienna) project number 1776.
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Klebermass-Schrehof, K., Aumüller, S., Goeral, K. et al. Biometry of the corpus callosum assessed by 3D ultrasound and its correlation to neurodevelopmental outcome in very low birth weight infants. J Perinatol 37, 448–453 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2016.231
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2016.231
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