Which is a prematurity-associated diagnosis?

Which is a prematurity-associated diagnosis?

• A. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
• B. Down syndrome
• C. Spinal cord injury
• D. ALS

Answer: (A)

Prematurity can injure the brain's white matter, especially near the ventricles, due to immature blood flow and oxygen delivery. Periventricular leukomalacia is a pattern of this injury seen in very preterm infants. It damages oligodendrocyte precursors and disrupts myelination around the ventricles, which impairs the development of the corticospinal tracts. The result is motor tone abnormalities and a high risk of cerebral palsy, typically with spasticity in the legs (spastic diplegia) in children born prematurely. Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition present at conception, not specifically tied to prematurity. Spinal cord injury and ALS are caused by trauma or neurodegenerative processes later in life and are not defined by prematurity.

Prematurity can injure the brain's white matter, especially near the ventricles, due to immature blood flow and oxygen delivery. Periventricular leukomalacia is a pattern of this injury seen in very preterm infants. It damages oligodendrocyte precursors and disrupts myelination around the ventricles, which impairs the development of the corticospinal tracts. The result is motor tone abnormalities and a high risk of cerebral palsy, typically with spasticity in the legs (spastic diplegia) in children born prematurely.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition present at conception, not specifically tied to prematurity. Spinal cord injury and ALS are caused by trauma or neurodegenerative processes later in life and are not defined by prematurity.