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For a considerable period, scientists primarily studied fetal brain development using postmortem data. They identified the stages of a child’s brain development both in the womb and after birth, as well as crucial processes. Disruptions in these processes can lead to developmental abnormalities and loss of functionality. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and two-dimensional ultrasound (2D US) have expanded the capabilities of scientists, they do not provide a complete picture. Researchers from Oxford, in collaboration with colleagues from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Oman, UAE, China, and India, have created the first comprehensive atlas of fetal brain growth in a large cohort, spanning from early pregnancy to two years after birth.
Research Overview
Between 2009 and 2016, the INTERGROWTH-21st Project collected three-dimensional ultrasound scans of fetal heads in eight urban areas worldwide. The study included only women with low-risk pregnancies who initiated prenatal care by the 14th week.
The scanned data from 899 healthy singleton children after birth were compared to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). At the age of two, the children underwent a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment using the globally recognized INTER-NDA tool. The INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment is a rapid standardized evaluation of cognitive, motor, language, and behavioral skills in children aged two.
Researchers meticulously selected high-quality ultrasound images, emphasizing discernible brain structures. Subsequently, the images were aligned, emphasizing specific brain regions, and further refined using neural networks and manual adjustments.
In the end, scientists developed a 4D atlas with a detailed description of fetal brain maturation throughout the gestational period.
Comprehensive Digital Atlas of Child Brain Maturation
Volumetric ultrasound images obtained from eight international research locations have provided a detailed look of the child’s brain with submillimetre resolution. The project encompasses 1059 3D volumes of ultrasound scans from 899 children.
These images capture weekly stages of fetal brain maturation from the 14th to the 31st week of pregnancy. That’s the period of the most significant brain changes. Interestingly, no differences in brain development between boys and girls were observed until the 31st week.
Scientists are planning further research based on this created atlas. Specifically, they aim to investigate the potential impact of deviations in brain development from this normative atlas on the long-term cognitive and developmental outcomes.
The digital atlas from the 14th to the 30th week of pregnancy is accessible via the provided link.
