Outcomes of children adopted from Eastern Europe

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Miller ◽  
Wilma Chan ◽  
Linda Tirella ◽  
Ellen Perrin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Parent Stress ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Child Externalizing Behaviors ◽  
Facial Phenotype ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

Behavioral problems are frequent among post-institutionalized Eastern European adoptees. However, risk factors related to outcomes have not been fully delineated. We evaluated 50 Eastern European adoptees, age 8—10 years, with their adoptive families for more than five years. Cognitive and behavioral outcomes and parenting stress were evaluated in relation to pre-adoptive risk factors, including arrival age, growth, and facial phenotype related to prenatal alcohol exposure. At follow-up, IQ and achievement scores were ≥ average in most children (≥74%). Behavioral and school problems were common (externalizing 44%, internalizing 18%, behavioral symptoms 50%, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 46%, learning disabilities 40%, mental health disorders 28%); 38% had multiple problems. Behavioral problems correlated inversely with IQ. Parent stress was high and correlated with child externalizing behaviors and inversely to child full scale IQ. Children with “severe behavioral disturbances” (24%) were more likely to have had smaller head circumferences at arrival. Child's age at adoption related inversely to parent stress, possibly due to the longer duration of time that children resided with their families. “High/intermediate risk” phenotypic facial scores for prenatal alcohol exposure (58%) correlated with head circumference z scores at arrival and follow-up. Otherwise, arrival age, growth, and facial phenotype did not correlate with these specific outcome measures.

scholarly journals Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and the Facial Phenotype in Adolescents: A Study Based on Meconium Ethyl Glucuronide

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
Janina Maschke ◽  
Jakob Roetner ◽  
Tamme Goecke ◽  
Peter Fasching ◽  
Matthias Beckmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Ethyl Glucuronide ◽  
Palpebral Fissure ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Photographic Analysis ◽  
Facial Phenotype ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Fluid Reasoning ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

Here, we explore the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) in adolescence. We investigated associations between meconium ethyl glucoronide (EtG) and facial malformation. For 129 children (66/63 male/female; M = 13.3, SD = 0.32, 12–14 years), PAE was implemented by newborn meconium EtG and maternal self-reports during the third trimester. Cognitive development was operationalized by standardized scores (WISC V). The EtG cut-off values were set at ≥10 ng/g (n = 32, 24.8% EtG10+) and ≥112 ng/g (n = 20, 15.5% EtG112+). The craniofacial shape was measured using FAS Facial Photographic Analysis Software. EtG10+− and EtG112+-affected children exhibited a shorter palpebral fissure length (p = 0.031/p = 0.055). Lip circularity was smaller in EtG112+-affected children (p = 0.026). Maternal self-reports were not associated (p > 0.164). Lip circularity correlated with fluid reasoning (EtG10+ p = 0.031; EtG112+ p = 0.298) and working memory (EtG10+ p = 0.084; EtG112+ p = 0.144). The present study demonstrates visible effects of the facial phenotype in exposed adolescents. Facial malformation was associated with a child’s cognitive performance in the alcohol-exposed group. The EtG biomarker was a better predictor than maternal self-reports.

scholarly journals Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Ability, Academic Achievement, and School Functioning in Adolescence: A Longitudinal Follow-Up

2005 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen K. Howell ◽  
Mary Ellen Lynch ◽  
Kathleen A. Platzman ◽  
G. Harold Smith ◽  
Claire D. Coles
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
School Functioning ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

scholarly journals Docosahexaenoic Acid: Outlining the Therapeutic Nutrient Potential to Combat the Prenatal Alcohol-Induced Insults on Brain Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 724-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley A Feltham ◽  
Xavier L Louis ◽  
Michael N A Eskin ◽  
Miyoung Suh
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Placental Transfer ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol ◽  
The Brain

ABSTRACT Brain development is markedly affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, leading to cognitive and behavioral problems in the children. Protecting neuronal damage from prenatal alcohol could improve neural connections and functioning of the brain. DHA, a n–3 (ω-3) long-chain PUFA, is involved in the development of neurons. Insufficient concentrations of DHA impair neuronal development and plasticity of synaptic junctions and affect neurotransmitter concentrations in the brain. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy decreases the maternal DHA status and reduces the placental transfer of DHA to the fetus, resulting in less DHA being available for brain development. It is important to know whether DHA could induce beneficial effects on various physiological functions that promote neuronal development. This review will discuss the current evidence for the beneficial role of DHA in protecting against neuronal damage and its potential in mitigating the teratogenic effects of alcohol.

Effect of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Growth and Morphology of Offspring at 8 Months of Age

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. 748-752
Author(s):  
Nancy L. Day ◽  
Gale Richardson ◽  
Nadine Robles ◽  
Usha Sambamoorthi ◽  
Paul Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Alcohol Effects ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol ◽  
Minor Physical Anomalies ◽  
Continuous Use ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Effects

In this prospective study of alcohol and other substance use during pregnancy, a cohort of women was interviewed at each trimester of pregnancy and when the offspring were 8 months of age. Data are presented concerning the outcome for 461 infants. A significant relationship was found between alcohol use during pregnancy and the growth and morphology of the offspring at the 8-month follow-up observation. Alcohol use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and continuous use of alcohol throughout pregnancy were significantly related to lower weight, length, and head circumference in the exposed infants at the follow-up observation. A significant increase in the risk of minor physical anomalies and fetal alcohol effects was also predicted by prenatal alcohol exposure.

scholarly journals Early School Years follow up of the Asking Questions in Alcohol Longitudinal Study in Melbourne, Australia (AQUA at 6): Cohort profile

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyne Muggli ◽  
Jane Halliday ◽  
Elizabeth Elliott ◽  
Anthony Penington ◽  
Deanne K Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Neuropsychological Functioning ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Early School ◽  
Asking Questions ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The Asking Questions about Alcohol in Pregnancy (AQUA) study, established in 2011, is a pre-birth cohort of 1570 mother and child pairs designed to assess the effects of low to moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and sporadic binge drinking on long-term child development. The current follow-up of the children, now aged 6 to 8 years, aims to strengthen our understanding of the relationship between these levels of prenatal alcohol exposure and neuropsychological functioning, facial dysmorphology, and brain structure & function. Findings to date Over half (59%) of mothers consumed some alcohol during pregnancy, with one in five reporting at least one binge drinking episode prior to pregnancy recognition. Children's craniofacial shape was examined at 12 months of age, and low to moderate prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with subtle midface changes. At two years of age, formal developmental assessments showed no evidence that cognitive, language or motor outcome was associated with any of the prenatal alcohol exposures investigated. Participants Between June 2018 and April 2021, 802 of the 1342 eligible AQUA study families completed a parent-report questionnaire (60%). Restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic disrupted recruitment, but early school-age neuropsychological assessments were undertaken with 696 children (52%), and 482 (36%) craniofacial images were collected. A pre-planned, exposure-representative subset of 146 random children completed a brain MRI. The existing AQUA study biobank was extended through collection of 427 (32%) child buccal swabs. Future plans We will investigate the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure and specific aspects of neurodevelopment at 6-8 years, including brain structure & function. We will also determine whether craniofacial changes identified at 12 months of age are predictive of later developmental impairments. The contribution of genetics and epigenetics to individual variations in outcomes will be examined in conjunction with established and future national and international collaborations.

Complex Trauma and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Clinical Implications

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-42 ◽  
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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