Growth of newborn babies' brains tracked

Conclusion This study has mapped out the growth rate of the major structures of the brain in 87 apparently healthy neonates from within a week of birth up to 90 days. A study of this nature can help our understanding of the growth and development of the brain and our ability to monitor brain development over time. The fact the investigation had no apparent side effects is also welcome. However, as the authors point out, the relatively small size of the study means the results cannot be used as a reference for normal development. Larger and more ethnically diverse studies would be required. The goal of establishing data for a reference for normal development ties in with the commercial conflict of interest mentioned earlier, as one of the authors founded a company which sells software that analyses brain volumes from MRI scans and compares these volumes to norms. Currently, brain growth is estimated using a measuring tape to chart the baby's head circumference over time. The circumference is compared against established norms, with deviation from the norm a potential indication of problems in development and warranting further investigation. The MRI technique offers a potentially more accurate way of measuring growth or confirming abnormality of growth. Assessing every child's brain development through an MRI scan is not practical and is probably not the intended endpoint. So the real use of this developing knowledge and technology appears to be providing some evidence ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Source Type: news