Structural covariance brain networks in preterm and term neonates

Abstract

This study investigated the structural covariance networks of preterm and term neonatal brains. By examining the global topological properties, inter-hemispheric connections, and nodal centrality shift, we characterized the distinct features of these two networks. The preterm neonatal brains, compared with term neonatal brains, contained fewer high degree nodes and had lower global and local efficiency. Inter-hemispheric connections in preterm neonatal brains were significantly fewer than in term. Regions involved with visual processing and emotion gained higher centrality in the term neonatal brains. These findings revealed the connectivity pattern with increasing regional interaction and integration in early brain development.