PREBO-6: Prediction of childhood Brain Outcomes in infants born preterm

Infants born preterm are at risk of adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, including cognitive, behavioural and motor deficits (including cerebra palsy). These adverse outcomes can significantly impair social and educational functioning and quality of life. We have established a cohort of infants born very preterm (<31 weeks gestation) with early neonatal brain imaging and concurrent clinical assessment of motor, neurological and neurobehavioural function (PREMO - Prediction of Preterm Motor Outcomes, ACTRN12613000280707; PREBO - Prediction of Preterm Brain Outcomes, ACTRN12615000591550). This study now aims to examine whether early MRI scans or clinical assessments can predict a child’s motor, cognitive, language, educational achievement and mental health outcomes at 6 years corrected age. If this is found to be the case, then in future, families will be provided with information on their child’s likely development much earlier. This will enable families to receive support and their children to be offered earlier treatments to help them with their movement, learning or behavioural development.