MRI May Forecast Cerebral Palsy in Preemies

Researchers have determined that neonatal MRI for premature babies born at 30 weeks may help forecast future developmental problems such as cerebral palsy better than traditional ultrasonography.

According to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, an MRI would also allow for the early intervention of certain neurodevelopmental problems in preterm babies, reported Lianne J. Woodward of the University of Canterbury.

“A major issue confronting clinicians who work with preterm infants and their families is the identification of infants who are most at risk for subsequent neurodevelopmental disability and who may benefit from early intervention services,” said the researchers.

The study found that babies with moderate-to-severe white matter abnormalities in the brain—as spotted on MRI—had a significantly increased risk of developing serious motor delay and movement disorders like cerebral palsy.

Of the 167 premature infants evaluated in the study, one in five experienced a cognitive score at least six months lower than their age level, 10 percent had severe psychomotor delay, ten percent developed cerebral palsy, five percent were hearing impaired, and seven percent had vision impairment.

However, investigators did say that “a substantial proportion of children with moderate-to-severe white matter abnormalities were free of severe impairment at two years of age” and that “worrisome MRI findings may not necessarily result in severe neurodevelopmental problems.”

While MRI does provide more improved spatial resolution for imaging babies' brains, the equipment needs modification to accommodate tiny infants, thus preventing the machine from being routinely used to detect future brain development problems in preemies.

But researchers conclude that MRI is still the most reliable tool used to predict the risk of cerebral palsy and severe motor delay in premature babies.

Does your child have cerebral palsy? Contact a cerebral palsy lawyer who can help explain your child's legal rights.