MoPED Study

The aim of the MoPED study is to find out if early changes in brain development in moderate-to-late preterm babies are an important marker of later development.  

Most preterm babies are born when the mother is between 32 and 36 weeks’ pregnant. These babies are called moderate-to-late preterm babies and are more likely to experience health and development issues throughout their lifetime compared to babies born full term. However, we do not fully understand why these babies are at greater risk of problems.

We want to know if early changes in brain development could contribute to these later increased risks.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often used to safely look at brain development in very preterm babies (born before 32 weeks) but rarely in moderate-to-late preterm babies. In this study, we are inviting babies to have an MRI scan of the brain soon after birth and again around the time they were due to be born, to help us to understand how common early brain changes are. We also collect information about things that have happened during the pregnancy, birth and newborn period to understand how these events are related to brain growth in early life.

At 3 months and 2 years of age, we also assess the babies’ development, so that we may be able to link possible early changes in the brain on MRI to later development.

Babies born between 32 and 36 (+ 5 days) weeks gestational age at Auckland City Hospital, North Shore Hospital or Waitakere Hospital.  

To study the way the brain grows and matures we perform two MRI scans of the baby’s brain. An MRI machine takes a picture of the brain using a magnet, which is not known to have any harmful effects. It does not use any x-ray and is very well tolerated by babies.

The first scan is as soon as the baby is stable and their doctor decides the baby is well enough, usually a few days after birth.

The second scan is at the time the baby was due to be born.  

At three months of age an assessor visits the baby at home to check weight, length, movements, reflexes and behaviour, and also records a short video of the baby’s natural movements. This is reviewed by an expert in infant movement to find out if this early activity is helpful in predicting later development.  

At two years of age an assessor measures the child’s growth and development, including a number of games to assessing movement, thinking and language, and some questionnaires related to behaviour and health.  

Feedback about the outcomes of each of the assessments are provided to the families / caregivers.  

Find out more about MRI for babies.

Unlike preterm babies born before 32 weeks, moderate and late preterm babies do not usually have brain scans as babies, and they are not usually entered into follow-up programmes after they go home.  If our research shows that early brain changes are mostly present in babies who have experienced particular problems during pregnancy and birth, then this would help identify how care could be changed to prevent or ameliorate later problems.  Further, if these early brain changes, or the simple screening assessment at 3 months, are found to predict later development, then early MRI or screening assessment of babies at risk would help identify those who would most benefit from early intervention, while also providing reassurance to families when the outlook is favourable. This would reduce the emotional burden placed on some families, while directing resources where they are needed to intervene early and reduce later disability.

Distinguished Professor Jane Harding
Dr Malcolm Battin
Mr Greg Gamble
Dr Jessie Guo
Dr Eleanor Kennedy
Professor Steven Miller
Dr David Perry
Professor Susan Stott
Dr Sian Williams

The MoPED study is recruiting at Auckland City Hospital and North Shore and Waitakere hospital.  You can find out more by contacting the research team.
Email: moped@auckland.ac.nz