Revisiting KANET in the context of fetal connectomics: defining optimal gestational windows for neurodevelopmental screening
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To introduce the KANET-connectome matrix (KANET-Con) as a conceptual framework linking fetal behaviors observed on four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound to underlying neural network maturation, and to evaluate optimal gestational timing for functional neurodevelopmental screening. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted using a PRISMA-guided literature identification and screening process. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched (January 2000-March 2025) for studies addressing fetal connectomics, fetal neurobehavior, KANET scoring, and developmental neuroimaging. Forty-two peer-reviewed studies met inclusion criteria. Observed fetal behaviors-including facial mimicry, eye blinking, limb movement, and overall gestalt coordination-were aligned with their most plausible neural substrates using evidence from developmental neuroscience and imaging. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated clear temporal associations between specific fetal behaviors and neural circuit development. Eye blinking and facial expressions (24-26 weeks) correlated with brainstem-cortical integration; hand-to-face gestures (26-30 weeks) reflected emerging interhemispheric pathways; and complex limb coordination (28-32 weeks) was linked to corticospinal and basal ganglia maturation. Collectively, these data indicate that 24-32 weeks of gestation represents an optimal window for KANET-based neurobehavioral screening. Additionally, emerging artificial intelligence applications show potential to enhance scoring objectivity by detecting subtle movement features such as behavioral entropy, asymmetry, and latency. CONCLUSIONS: KANET, interpreted through a fetal connectomic lens, provides a functional window into early neural integration. The KANET-Con offers a clinically relevant, globally accessible conceptual model to support early detection of neurodevelopmental deviations and inform risk stratification, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Source: Journal of Perinatal Medicine
Authors: Wiku Andonotopo, Muhammad Adrianes Bachnas, Julian Dewantiningrum, Mochammad Besari Adi Pramono, I Nyoman Hariyasa Sanjaya, Ernawati Darmawan, Muhammad Ilham Aldika Akbar, Dudy Aldiansyah, Cut Meurah Yeni, Nuswil Bernolian, Sri Sulistyowati, Waskita Ekamaheswara Kasumba Andanaputra, Milan Stanojevic, Asim Kurjak
Institutions: Sebelas Maret University, Diponegoro University, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Udayana University, Universitas Airlangga, Rumah Sakit Dokter Soetomo, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Sriwijaya University, Padjadjaran University, Medical University of Warsaw, University of Zagreb
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416599120