Regional Homogeneity as a Marker of Sensory Cortex Dysmaturity in Preterm Infants

Atypical perinatal sensory experience in preterm infants is thought to increase their risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities by altering the development of the sensory cortices. Here we used resting-state fMRI data from preterm and term-born infants scanned between 32-48 weeks post-menstrual age to assess the effect of early ex-uterine exposure on sensory cortex development. Specifically, we utilized a measure of local correlated-ness called regional homogeneity (ReHo). First, we demonstrated that the brain-wide distribution of ReHo mirrors the known gradient of cortical maturation. Next, we showed that preterm birth differentially reduces ReHo across the primary sensory cortices. Finally, exploratory analyses showed that the reduction of ReHo in the primary auditory cortex of preterm infants is related to increased risk of autism at 18 months. In sum, we show that local connectivity within sensory cortices have different developmental trajectories, are differentially affected by preterm birth, and may be associated with later neurodevelopment.