Association with brain size and developmental outcomes with Body composition in the moderate to late preterm infant.

Abstract

This study aims to understand how body composition (the balance of fat and muscle) in babies born moderately to late preterm affects their brain development and later outcomes. We hypothesise that these babies will have more body fat and less muscle compared to babies born at full term, and that having more muscle and less fat will be associated to larger brain size and better development. To investigate this, we will measure babies’ body composition, growth, blood hormone levels, and brain size on MRI scans around their due date, and then follow their development at 4 months and 2 years of age. Comparing these findings with babies born at full term will help us see how early growth patterns influence long-term health and learning. The study hopes to identify early markers that can guide care to support healthier growth and development in preterm and growth-restricted infants.