Chief Investigators: Colditz P, Boyd R, Malhotra A, Rose S, Boashash B, Ditchfield M, Fahey M, Pannek K, Moldrich R.
Funding: NHMRC Project grant (2015-2021) $1,645,141
Rationale: Prematurity is the cause of ≈40% CP; and 10-15% of infants born <30wks will develop CP, however most are not diagnosed until 12-24 months, limiting access to early intervention. The PREBO study is an extension of the PPREMO study conducted in Queensland.
Design: Prospective cohort study of 272 preterm infants and 40 healthy, term controls.
Aims: Examine the relationship between early brain structure on MRI and function (GMs, neurological/neurobehavioral) at 30-32wks and TEA to predict outcome at 3, 12 and 24 months. We have undertaken early MRI in 272 preterm infants and 2 year F/U continues.
Update: We have undertaken earlier MRI at 30 and 40 weeks PMA in n=120/300 preterm infants to determine the best combination of clinical, imaging and EEG markers for early detection of mild, moderate or severe CP.
New knowledge: Early findings show relationships between clinical tools and MRI at 30 wks. Early MRI predicts motor/cognition at 24 mths.
Project weblink at the Perinatal Research Centre, UQ
Project weblink at the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, UQ
