Insights into early brain development from modern brain imaging and outcome studies

Abstract

Recent brain imaging and outcome studies of infants born at very early gestation have cast new light on brain development at a vulnerable stage. Some of these new developments are reviewed in this editorial. Conclusion: The anatomical differences between the brains of babies born extremely prematurely and those born at term appear to translate into disturbances of function. The challenge for paediatricians is to discover the causes, with the aim of promoting normal brain development. © 2010 Foundation Acta Pædiatrica.