Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques: Their Role in the Development of Future Fetal and Neonatal Neuroprotection

Injury to the developing brain is associated with significant risk for potential lifelong, and wide-ranging neurodevelopmental consequences. Despite major advances in neonatal intensive care in recent decades, truly informed brain-oriented care of the critically ill neonate remains lacking. Consequently, this has hindered the development of preventive neuroprotective interventions, which is in large part due to the inherent difficulties in diagnosis, timing, and the severity of insults. Recent advances in understanding the cellular mechanisms of neonatal brain injury, together with the successful application of cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques, have markedly improved our understanding of the timing and evolution of structural injury to the immature brain, and its functional consequences. Triggered by these important advances, there is intense and renewed interest in the development of brain-oriented therapies, including neuroprotective strategies aimed at circumventing the injurious effects of neonatal brain insults. This article will provide an overview of normal and abnormal brain development, and explore the role of advanced neuroimaging techniques in neuroprotective therapies in the neonatal intensive care unit.