Young adults born preterm with very low birth weight demonstrate widespread white matter alterations on brain DTI

► FA was reduced in young adults born preterm with very low birth weight. ► FA correlated with days on mechanical ventilator and in intensive care. ► FA correlated positively with IQ. ► Preterm birth with very low birth weight is a lifelong condition. ► Preterm birth induces structural and functional impairments in brain white matter.