Neurologic outcomes of the premature lamb in an extrauterine environment for neonatal development
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Jan 2020 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
This preclinical study evaluated neurologic outcomes in premature lambs maintained in the EXTEND artificial womb system for up to 28 days. Results showed no evidence of brain ischemia, white matter injury, or developmental delays, with age-appropriate myelination and normal functional outcomes after transition from the system.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background/Purpose
Neurologic injury remains the most important morbidity of prematurity. Those born at the earliest gestational ages can face a lifetime of major disability. Perinatal insults result in developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and other profound permanent neurologic impairments. The EXTracorporeal Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) aims to transition premature neonates through this sensitive period, but it's impact on neurologic development requires analysis.
Methods
Fetal sheep were maintained in a fluid-filled environment for up to 28 days. Physiologic parameters were measured continuously; tissues were subsequently fixed and preserved for myelin quantification, glial cell staining, and structural assessment via magnetic resonance. Surviving animals were functionally assessed.
Results
No evidence of fetal brain ischemia or white matter tract injury associated with the EXTEND system was detected, and the degree of myelination was regionally appropriate and consistent with age matched controls. No evidence of neurologic injury or immaturity was visible on magnetic resonance; animals that transitioned from the system had no persistent neurologic deficits.
Conclusions
No evidence of major neurologic morbidity was found in animals supported on the EXTEND system, though more work needs to be done in order to verify its safety during critical periods of neurologic development.