Researchers used MRI scans of children with isolated fetal ventriculomegaly and found proof supporting an association in between the condition and autism traits. The study followed two groups of kids, those with a typical fetal brain MR assessment and those with isolated ventriculomegaly, and conducted developmental assessments at ages 2 and main school age. More research is needed to verify these findings in a larger population and to better understand the vulnerability to developing autism in kids with antenatally-diagnosed isolated ventriculomegaly or other common fetal brain abnormalities. Taking part kids were initially scanned as fetuses and then tested with a range of developmental steps including IQ, autism qualities, continual attention, neurological performance, habits, executive function, sensory processing, coordination, and adaptive behaviors.
The research study followed two groups of kids, those with a regular fetal brain MR evaluation and those with separated ventriculomegaly, and carried out developmental evaluations at ages 2 and main school age. More research is required to validate these findings in a bigger population and to better understand the vulnerability to establishing autism in children with antenatally-diagnosed separated ventriculomegaly or other typical fetal brain anomalies.
Scientists have utilized MRI brain scans of children with isolated fetal ventriculomegaly to determine neurodevelopment and investigate the presence of autism qualities at school age.
In a paper published in the journal Nature Communications, Kings College London scientists from the Center for the Developing Brain have found evidence supporting an association in between separated ventriculomegaly and autism characteristics.
The study followed 2 groups of children, one with a regular fetal brain MR evaluation and those with an antenatal diagnosis of isolated ventriculomegaly, with a developmental follow-up evaluations at 2 years of age and primary school age.
” While this approach provides just a partial indication of future results, much better prediction may have essential implications for the long-lasting assistance of households. Getting involved children were at first scanned as fetuses and then evaluated with a variety of developmental steps consisting of IQ, autism characteristics, continual attention, neurological functioning, habits, executive function, sensory processing, coordination, and adaptive habits.
Fetal ventriculomegaly is the most common antenatally-diagnosed brain problem and is diagnosed when the lateral ventricles measure bigger than typical on antenatal ultrasound or MR imaging.
This research study demonstrates an association in between this most typical developmental fetal brain abnormality and autism qualities. The results may enhance therapy for households and aid early identification, assistance, and intervention, with more research study called for to confirm preliminary findings within a larger population.
” There is a clear requirement for more long-term data integrating high quality brain imaging with long term developmental follow up in children with antenatally-diagnosed isolated ventriculomegaly or indeed with other typical fetal brain anomalies to improve our comprehending about the vulnerability of developing autism.”– Professor Mary Rutherford, Perinatal Imaging & & Health
Reference: “Characterisation of ASD traits among an associate of kids with isolated fetal ventriculomegaly” by Vanessa Kyriakopoulou, Alice Davidson, Andrew Chew, Nidhi Gupta, Tomoki Arichi, Chiara Nosarti and Mary A. Rutherford, 21 March 2023, Nature Communications.DOI: 10.1038/ s41467-023-37242-0.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the households who took part in this research study.
This research study was supported by the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Medical Engineering at Kings College London, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The Centre for the Developing Brain belongs to the School of Biomedical Engineering & & Imaging Sciences and has advanced MR imaging centers, consisting of a novel fetal imaging capability and a new dedicated MR imaging suite sited within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Thomas Hospital.