Brain Functional Connectivity as a Mediator Between Hematological Metrics and Cognitive Decline in Children With Beta‐thalassemia Major

Key Points

• Examine how hematological metrics influence cognitive decline through functional brain connectivity in children with beta-thalassemia major.
• Analyzed hematological metrics in children with beta-thalassemia major.
• Assessed cognitive performance through appropriate testing methods.
• Explored functional connectivity signatures using connectivity pattern mapping (CPM).
• Identified a negative correlation between hematological abnormalities and cognitive performance.
• Found that functional connectivity disruptions are associated with cognitive vulnerability.
• Suggested that functional connectivity signatures could serve as early neuromarkers.