Brain connectivity patterns vary between pre-term and term infants

A new study from King's College London reveals unique patterns in the moment-to-moment activity and connectivity of brain networks between term and pre-term infants after scanning 390 babies.

The study, published in Nature Communications, revealed that these dynamic brain connectivity patterns in infants were associated with developmental milestones such as movement, language, cognition, and social behaviour 18 months later.

"Although we know how influential brain connectivity is on development, we know little about the patterns of dynamic functional connectivity in early life, and how they link to the way our brains mature. By analysing brain scans from 390 babies, we have begun to identify different transient states of connectivity that could potentially provide insight into how the brain is developing at this age and what behaviours and functions these patterns are linked to as the baby grows older." said Dr Dafnis Batallé, Senior Lecturer in Neurodevelopmental Science at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London.

Researchers employed advanced techniques to analyze functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data from 324 full-term infants and 66 pre-term infants (born before 37 weeks gestation). They evaluated the moment-to-moment changes in connectivity during the time the baby was in the scanner, offering a dynamic perspective.

The study utilized different methods to analyse fluctuating brain connectivity, one assessing patterns across the entire brain and another focusing on regional patterns. Six distinct brain states were identified, with three encompassing the whole brain and three restricted to specific regions (occipital, sensorimotor, and frontal). Comparison between term and pre-term infants indicated that varied connectivity patterns were associated with pre-term birth. For instance, pre-term infants exhibited increased time spent in frontal and occipital brain states compared to term infants.

"This is a real step forward in the use of imaging techniques to investigate how brain activity is continually changing in early life and how this provides a platform to support subsequent developmental milestones in childhood. The difference between term and pre-term babies suggests that time spent in or outside the womb shapes brain development. We now need to try and find out if it is possible to use these insights to identify and help those who need some additional support." concluded professor Grainne McAlonan, Interim Director of NIHR Maudsley BRC and Professor of Translational Neuroscience.

Reference: Lucas G. S. França, Judit Ciarrusta, Oliver Gale-Grant, Sunniva Fenn-Moltu, Sean Fitzgibbon, Andrew Chew, Shona Falconer, Ralica Dimitrova, Lucilio Cordero-Grande, Anthony N. Price, Emer Hughes, Jonathan O’Muircheartaigh, Eugene Duff, Jetro J. Tuulari, Gustavo Deco, Serena J. Counsell, Joseph V. Hajnal, Chiara Nosarti, Tomoki Arichi, A. David Edwards, Grainne McAlonan, Dafnis Batalle. Neonatal brain dynamic functional connectivity in term and preterm infants and its association with early childhood neurodevelopment. Nature Communications, 2024; 15 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44050-z