Features of white matter development in very preterm children from infancy to late childhood

Abstract Infants born very preterm (VP;  Global reductions in white matter volumes are documented in studies of neonates, children and adolescents born VP. Quantification of the white matter microstructure using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging has enabled better characterisation of white matter abnormalities following preterm birth. Alterations to white matter occur in a region-specific manner, affecting various white matter bundles the corpus callosum, corticothalamic tracts, cerebrospinal tract and uncinate fasciculus shortly after birth and across childhood. Longitudinal studies will assist in determining if a delay or total disruption of white matter development occurs in this population.