Neurodevelopmental outcomes of isolated punctate white matter lesions in extremely preterm infants.

Cohort studyPediatrics and neonatology· Jul 2026

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of isolated punctate white matter lesions in extremely preterm infants.

Yong Eun, Young Hwa Jung, Young Jin Ryu … Chang Won Choi

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NeonatologyCohort studyPrognosisQ2IF 1.4

Motor impairment in preterm infants with white matter lesions resolved by 18 months

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of isolated punctate white matter lesions in extremely preterm infants.

Yong Eun … Chang Won Choi

Pediatrics and neonatology · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Pediatrics

Background

Punctate white matter lesions (punctate white matter lesions) are increasingly recognized in preterm infants through magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging), yet their clinical significance remains controversial.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether isolated PWMLs in extremely preterm infants are associated with specific perinatal or postnatal risk factors and to evaluate their relationship with early neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from January 2013 to December 2023.

n = 14 infants

Results

2 of 14 had brief motor delay at 6 months, gone by 18 months

PWML

8.5%

Normal MRI

91.5%

More results

Among 189 eligible infants, PWMLs were identified in 16 (8.5%), and 173 (91.5%) had normal magnetic resonance imaging findings.

There were no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, perinatal factors, or neonatal morbidities between groups.

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Conclusion

Isolated PWMLs in extremely preterm infants were not associated with specific risk factors or adverse early neurodevelopmental outcomes in this cohort.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of isolated punctate white matter lesions in extremely preterm infants.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of isolated punctate white matter lesions in extremely preterm infants.

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