Measuring Brain Activity of School Age Children

The investigators will conduct an observational study comparing two groups of children to determine whether differences in birth events and oxygen levels during the newborn period lead to structural and functional impairment within the brain's dopaminergic pathways and the cortical regions innervated by those pathways. The dopaminergic system is involved in modulating motor control and cognitive function.

Using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging, structural integrity of dopaminergic circuits will be quantified and compared in post-hypoxic former preterm children versus healthy control children born at term closely matched by age/sex/race.

Functional activity during executive function tasks will be quantified and compared in post-hypoxic former preterm children versus healthy control children born at term using functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level dependent (fMRI-BOLD). Assessment of motor function (grooved pegboard task) will also be performed.

Inclusion criteria

• For Study Group Children: Birth gestational age between 23-28 weeks and birth weight appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with available oxygen saturation level data recorded continuously from the first day of life to 8 weeks postnatal age (n=11)
• For Healthy Control Children: Birth gestational age ≥ 38 weeks gestation and birth weight appropriate for term gestation (n=10) matched by age/sex/race to participating cohort children.
• Born in years 2005-2009 (age range will be 8-15 years during the funding period)
• Ability of the child to provide assent, with the parent/legal guardian able to provide written informed consent for study procedures.
• Sensory and motor capability to complete study tasks (i.e. Grooved Pegboard test). Mental Development index must be > 80 at 2-year-old follow-up for preterm cohort.

Exclusion criteria

• Past history of concussion requiring medical treatment to avoid confounding of MRI data
• Current diagnosis of autism.
• Child who suffers from claustrophobia (per parent report).
• Unable to participate in neuroimaging due to claustrophobia, or medical contraindication to MRI including any implanted medical device, dental braces, surgical clips for aneurysms in the head, heart valve prostheses, electrodes or other metallic objects, pregnancy.
• Healthy control children who were treated in the Neonatal ICU in the newborn period for breathing difficulties.
• Healthy control children who were hospitalized for breathing problems in the first 3 months of infancy.