SynthesisNeonatology2026
Comparative Diagnostic Performance of Early and Term Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preterm Infants: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in Neonatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Reappraising the Evidence for Term-Equivalent Age MRI Superiority in Preterm Infants.Neonatology · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionEarly identification of neurodisability and delay after preterm birth is critical for timely intervention. Term-equivalent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (36-44 weeks) is widely used for prognostication, and earlier MRI (<36 weeks) may offer additional value.
methodsTo provide a comparative diagnostic test accuracy synthesis of early versus term-equivalent MRI for motor and non-motor neurodevelopmental outcomes, incorporating advanced imaging modalities including volumetric and diffusion measures, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to January 22, 2026. PRISMA-DTA guidelines were followed with PROSPERO registration (CRD42024528207). Studies enrolling preterm infants (<37 weeks) undergoing both early and term-equivalent MRI with neurodevelopment assessment between 12 and 36 months were included. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed bias risk. Meta-analysis used a Bayesian bivariate random-effects model pooling diagnostic metrics for the presence of lesion, intraventricular haemorrhage, white matter injury, and cerebellar haemorrhage.
resultsOf 3,249 records screened, 30 studies met inclusion. Term-equivalent MRI lesion presence (diagnostic odds ratio [DOR] = 14.17 vs. 2.67; sensitivity 84% vs. 76%; specificity 73% vs. 45%) and white matter injury (DOR = 5.92 vs. 2.20; sensitivity 65% vs. 52% and specificity 76% vs. 67%) demonstrated superior predictivity than early MRI. White matter injury at term best predicted motor outcomes (DOR = 18.43). Volumetric and diffusion measures improved predictive accuracy, especially for cognitive outcomes. Heterogeneity in MRI protocols, biomarker definitions, and outcomes limited comparability, and the modest study number reduced precision.
conclusionTerm-equivalent MRI offers higher predictivity than early MRI. Standardised scoring and multimodal integration are needed to optimise early risk stratification in preterm populations.
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Registered trials
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