Brain Changes and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Neonates with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Interconnections between Lung Health and Brain Health

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a frequent complication of prematurity, is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This thesis describes the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm-born children with BPD at preschool age. In a prospective cohort of 144 very preterm neonates with brain MRI at term age, 59 (41%) neonates had a diagnosis of BPD. At preschool age, children with BPD had significant motor impairment but intact cognitive function. Duration of mechanical ventilation (i.e., invasive ventilation involving endotracheal intubation) was the most predictive clinical factor of motor performance. Mechanical ventilation exposure was associated with smaller pons and medulla at term age in two independent cohorts, along with diffuse anomalies of white matter maturation. Pons and medulla volumes at term age were both associated with motor performance at preschool age. Our findings highlight the role of the brainstem in the relationship between duration of mechanical ventilation and impaired motor development in children with BPD.M.Sc