LAUSR

Key Points Question How do brain microstructure and functional connectivity in early school–aged preterm children with postnatal growth failure (PGF) differ compared with those in preterm children without PGF? Findings In this cohort study of 38 children born with extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and 44 controls born at full term, children born with ELBW with PGF had worse attention function and lower fractional anisotropy in the forceps major, as well as decreased functional connectivity strength between the superior lateral occipital cortex and the superior parietal lobules. Meaning This study suggests that PGF is associated with aberrant structural and functional connectivity and neurodevelopmental impairment in early school–aged children.