Funds raised for Sparks by the BG Energy Challenge 2011 – UK, will benefit a research project investigating post-natal brain growth and early infancy outcomes in very preterm children.
It is widely acknowledged that very premature births may lead to learning difficulties in later life and despite attempts to improve these impairments, minimal effects have been demonstrated with little evidence of lasting benefit. Using funds raised by participants of the BG Energy Challenge, Sparks will support a two year research project at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College, London. With Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the team will identify children at high risk of developing learning problems later in life by measuring brain growth in premature babies and comparing these measurements to babies born at full term (40 weeks).
The information gleaned will be used to develop more focused and targeted interventions that begin in the first month or first year of life to help improve outcomes and prevent or lessen later learning difficulties.
For further information on the project, contact Claire Finigan, Challenge & Community Co-ordinator, Sparks.