Developmental Trajectories for Visuo-Spatial Attention are Altered by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Longitudinal FMRI Study

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) interferes with neurodevelopment. The brain is particularly susceptible to the adverse consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure, and numerous studies have documented changes to brain anatomy and function, as well as consequences for cognition, behavior, and mental health. Studies in typically developing individuals have shown that the brain undergoes dynamic developmental processes over an individual’s lifespan. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders have shown that their developmental trajectories differ from the typical pattern. Therefore, to understand long-term clinical outcomes of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), it is necessary to investigate changes in neurodevelopmental trajectories in this population. Here we review studies that have used MRI to evaluate changes in brain structure and function over time via cross-sectional or longitudinal methods in individuals with PAE. Research demonstrates that individuals with PAE have atypical cortical and white matter microstructural developmental trajectories through childhood and adolescence. More research is needed to understand how factors such as sex and postnatal experiences may further mediate these trajectories. Furthermore, nothing is known about the trajectories beyond young adulthood.

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Commentary: Linking Cortical and Subcortical Developmental Trajectories to Behavioral Deficits in a Mouse Model of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1111/acer.12993 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 448-450

Author(s):

Joanne Weinberg

Keyword(s):

Mouse Model ◽

Developmental Trajectories ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Behavioral Deficits ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

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Complex Trauma and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Clinical Implications

Perspectives on School-Based Issues ◽

10.1044/sbi13.2.32 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 32-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Yvette D. Hyter

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Child Development ◽

Academic Outcomes ◽

Complex Trauma ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Prenatal Alcohol ◽

The Brain

Abstract Complex trauma resulting from chronic maltreatment and prenatal alcohol exposure can significantly affect child development and academic outcomes. Children with histories of maltreatment and those with prenatal alcohol exposure exhibit remarkably similar central nervous system impairments. In this article, I will review the effects of each on the brain and discuss clinical implications for these populations of children.

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Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Tied to Conduct Problems

Ob Gyn News ◽

10.1016/s0029-7437(07)71051-0 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 10

Author(s):

MARY ANN MOON

Keyword(s):

Conduct Problems ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

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Prenatal alcohol exposure and signs of minor neurological dysfunction at preschool age

Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology ◽

10.1017/s0012162200000979 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 42 (8) ◽

pp. 508-514 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Béatrice Larroque ◽

Monique Kaminski ◽

Phillipe Dehaene ◽

Damien Subtil ◽

Denis Querleu

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Neurological Dysfunction ◽

Minor Neurological Dysfunction ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

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Impact of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Problem Behaviors in Preschool and School Children

Zeitschrift für Entwicklungspsychologie und Pädagogische Psychologie ◽

10.1026/0049-8637/a000106 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 89-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Manuela Pfinder ◽

Stefan Liebig ◽

Reinhold Feldmann

Keyword(s):

Problem Behaviors ◽

Tobacco Smoke ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Smoke Exposure ◽

Low Ses ◽

German Health ◽

Kiggs Study ◽

Strengths And Difficulties ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

Data on the relation between moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and behavioral disorders are inconsistent, and this raises new questions. We examined (1) the association between moderate PAE and problem behaviors and (2) whether these associations differed by levels of socioeconomic status (SES), fetal smoke exposure, or exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Data were taken from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Parents evaluated children’s behaviors using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results showed a slight, but insignificant, increase of problem behaviors in children with moderate PAE. In 3- to 6-year-olds, PAE had a stronger effect on hyperactivity/inattention in combination with fetal smoke exposure (odds ratio = 2.82), than did PAE alone. Effects were not stronger in low-SES children, but they were stronger in children with ETS. We conclude that moderate PAE might have adverse effects on neurodevelopment, with stronger effects in disadvantaged populations. To confirm our preliminary findings, further research should be conducted.

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