Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Neuroimaging Combined With the Specific Test of Early Infant Motor Performance (STEP) Early Developmental Assessment Predicts One-Year Developmental Outcomes

Date Presented 03/27/20

STEP is a novel infant motor skills test that is an efficient developmental assessment for preterm infants. STEP scores are related to MRS metabolite N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and multiple white matter (WM) tract fractional anisotropy (FA) values. Neuroimaging data in a model with STEP scores strongly predict 12-month Bayley outcomes. Performance on the STEP relates to CNS structural and metabolic integrity, and combining neuroimaging with STEP assessment can predict long-term motor development.

Primary Author and Speaker: Patty Coker-Bolt

Additional Authors and Speakers: Hannah Haskins, Hunter Moss, Shelby Davis, Amy Reiner, Dorothea Jenkins