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Veziris CR, Hyland MT, Kable JA, Wozniak JR, Coles CD, May PA, Kalberg WO, Sowell ER, Jones KL, Riley EP, Mattson SN. Validation of the ND-PAE Diagnosis in Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01740-z. [PMID: 39083167 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01740-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated criteria for neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE). Kable et al. (Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 55:426, 2022) assessed the validity of this diagnosis in a sample with low exposure to alcohol. The current study expanded this assessment to a sample with a wider age range and heavier alcohol exposure. Data were collected from participants (5-17 years) with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and typically developing controls at six Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders sites using neuropsychological assessment and caregiver reports. Impairment was tested at 1SD, 1.5SD, and 2SD below the normative average and a modification of the adaptive functioning requirement was tested. Testing impairment at 1SD resulted in the highest endorsement rates in both groups. Our findings replicated the study by Kable et al. and show that current criteria captured a high rate of those with PAE and that requiring fewer adaptive functioning criteria resulted in higher sensitivity to PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R Veziris
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6330 Alvarado Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA
| | - Matthew T Hyland
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6330 Alvarado Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA
| | - Julie A Kable
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Claire D Coles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Philip A May
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Wendy O Kalberg
- Center On Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addiction, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Sowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Psychology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Edward P Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6330 Alvarado Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA
| | - Sarah N Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6330 Alvarado Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA.
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Ramos-Triguero A, Navarro-Tapia E, Vieiros M, Mirahi A, Astals Vizcaino M, Almela L, Martínez L, García-Algar Ó, Andreu-Fernández V. Machine learning algorithms to the early diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1400933. [PMID: 38808031 PMCID: PMC11131948 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1400933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders include a variety of physical and neurocognitive disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Although their overall prevalence is around 0.77%, FASD remains underdiagnosed and little known, partly due to the complexity of their diagnosis, which shares some symptoms with other pathologies such as autism spectrum, depression or hyperactivity disorders. Methods This study included 73 control and 158 patients diagnosed with FASD. Variables selected were based on IOM classification from 2016, including sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis test for quantitative factors, Chi-square test for qualitative variables, and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for predictions. Results This study explores the application ML in diagnosing FASD and its subtypes: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (pFAS), and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND). ML constructed a profile for FASD based on socio-demographic, clinical, and psychological data from children with FASD compared to a control group. Random Forest (RF) model was the most efficient for predicting FASD, achieving the highest metrics in accuracy (0.92), precision (0.96), sensitivity (0.92), F1 Score (0.94), specificity (0.92), and AUC (0.92). For FAS, XGBoost model obtained the highest accuracy (0.94), precision (0.91), sensitivity (0.91), F1 Score (0.91), specificity (0.96), and AUC (0.93). In the case of pFAS, RF model showed its effectiveness, with high levels of accuracy (0.90), precision (0.86), sensitivity (0.96), F1 Score (0.91), specificity (0.83), and AUC (0.90). For ARND, RF model obtained the best levels of accuracy (0.87), precision (0.76), sensitivity (0.93), F1 Score (0.84), specificity (0.83), and AUC (0.88). Our study identified key variables for efficient FASD screening, including traditional clinical characteristics like maternal alcohol consumption, lip-philtrum, microcephaly, height and weight impairment, as well as neuropsychological variables such as the Working Memory Index (WMI), aggressive behavior, IQ, somatic complaints, and depressive problems. Discussion Our findings emphasize the importance of ML analyses for early diagnoses of FASD, allowing a better understanding of FASD subtypes to potentially improve clinical practice and avoid misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ramos-Triguero
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department de Cirurgia i Especialitats Mèdico-Quirúrgiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Navarro-Tapia
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
| | - Melina Vieiros
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Afrooz Mirahi
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Instituto Clínic de Ginecología, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON), Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Astals Vizcaino
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department de Cirurgia i Especialitats Mèdico-Quirúrgiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Almela
- Department de Cirurgia i Especialitats Mèdico-Quirúrgiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leopoldo Martínez
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar García-Algar
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Instituto Clínic de Ginecología, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON), Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute, Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
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Suttie M, Kable J, Mahnke AH, Bandoli G. Machine learning approaches to the identification of children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure: A narrative review. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:585-595. [PMID: 38302824 PMCID: PMC11015982 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) affect at least 0.8% of the population globally. The diagnosis of FASD is uniquely complex, with a heterogeneous physical and neurobehavioral presentation that requires multidisciplinary expertise for diagnosis. Many researchers have begun to incorporate machine learning approaches into FASD research to identify children who are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, including those with FASD. This narrative review highlights these efforts. Following an introduction to machine learning, we summarize examples from the literature of neurobehavioral screening tools and physiologic markers of exposure. We discuss individual efforts, including models that classify FASD based on parent-reported neurocognitive or behavioral questionnaires, 3D facial imaging, brain imaging, DNA methylation patterns, microRNA profiles, cardiac orienting response, and dysmorphic facial features. We highlight model performance and discuss the limitations of these approaches. We conclude by considering the scalability of these approaches and how these machine learning models, largely developed from clinical samples or highly exposed birth cohorts, may perform in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Suttie
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Kable
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Amanda H. Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Gretchen Bandoli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Veziris CR, Hyland MT, Kable JA, Wozniak JR, Coles CD, May PA, Kalberg WO, Sowell ER, Jones KL, Riley EP, Mattson SN. Validation of the ND-PAE Diagnosis in Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3922436. [PMID: 38410428 PMCID: PMC10896399 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3922436/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated criteria for Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE). Kable et al. (2022) assessed the validity of this diagnosis in a sample with low exposure to alcohol. The current study expanded this assessment to a sample with a wider age range and heavier alcohol exposure. Data were collected from participants (5-17y) with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and typically developing controls at six Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders sites using neuropsychological assessment and caregiver reports. Impairment was tested at 1SD, 1.5SD, and 2SD below the normative average and a modification of the adaptive functioning requirement was tested. Testing impairment at 1SD resulted in the highest endorsement rates in both groups. Our findings replicated the study by Kable et al. and show that current criteria captured a high rate of those with PAE and that requiring fewer adaptive functioning criteria resulted in higher sensitivity to PAE.
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Bandoli G, Coles C, Kable J, Jones KL, Wertelecki W, Yevtushok L, Zymak-Zakutnya N, Granovska I, Plotka L, Chambers C. Predicting fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in preschool-aged children from early life factors. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:122-131. [PMID: 38206285 PMCID: PMC10786333 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life factors, including parental sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy exposures, and physical and neurodevelopmental features measured in infancy are associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a classifier model for diagnosing FASD in preschool-aged children from pregnancy and infancy-related characteristics. METHODS We analyzed a prospective pregnancy cohort in Western Ukraine enrolled between 2008 and 2014. Maternal and paternal sociodemographic factors, maternal prenatal alcohol use and smoking behaviors, reproductive characteristics, birth outcomes, infant alcohol-related dysmorphic and physical features, and infant neurodevelopmental outcomes were used to predict FASD. Data were split into separate training (80%: n = 245) and test (20%: n = 58; 11 FASD, 47 no FASD) datasets. Training data were balanced using data augmentation through a synthetic minority oversampling technique. Four classifier models (random forest, extreme gradient boosting [XGBoost], logistic regression [full model] and backward stepwise logistic regression) were evaluated for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in the hold-out sample. RESULTS Of 306 children evaluated for FASD, 61 had a diagnosis. Random forest models had the highest sensitivity (0.54), with accuracy of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.94) in hold-out data. Boosted gradient models performed similarly, however, sensitivity was less than 50%. The full logistic regression model performed poorly (sensitivity = 0.18 and accuracy = 0.65), while stepwise logistic regression performed similarly to the boosted gradient model but with lower specificity. In a hold-out sample, the best performing algorithm correctly classified six of 11 children with FASD, and 44 of 47 children without FASD. CONCLUSIONS As early identification and treatment optimize outcomes of children with FASD, classifier models from early life characteristics show promise in predicting FASD. Models may be improved through the inclusion of physiologic markers of prenatal alcohol exposure and should be tested in different samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wladimir Wertelecki
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego
- OMNI-Net Ukraine Birth Defects Program
| | - Lyubov Yevtushok
- OMNI-Net Ukraine Birth Defects Program
- Rivne Regional Medical Diagnostic Center, Rivne, Ukraine
- Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Natalya Zymak-Zakutnya
- OMNI-Net Ukraine Birth Defects Program
- Khmelnytsky Perinatal Center, Khmelnytsky, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Granovska
- OMNI-Net Ukraine Birth Defects Program
- Rivne Regional Medical Diagnostic Center, Rivne, Ukraine
| | - Larysa Plotka
- OMNI-Net Ukraine Birth Defects Program
- Rivne Regional Medical Diagnostic Center, Rivne, Ukraine
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Kovács MV, Lages YVM, Vieira BS, Charchat-Fichman H, Landeira-Fernandez J, Krahe TE. Neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the Brazilian population. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37967155 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2023.2279202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a collective name for lifelong physical and neurodevelopmental problems caused by the gestational consumption of alcohol affecting fetal development. In Brazil, the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, and the scarcity of suitable diagnostic tools and trained clinicians, can contribute to the underestimation of FASD prevalence and severity. The present review aims to map and analyze studies conducted in Brazil on children and adolescents with FASD or a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Additionally, it intends to report the psychometric properties of the neurodevelopmental assessment tools applied in the selected articles. Searches were carried out in the databases Scielo, LILACS, PePSIC, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, selecting original clinical studies that have investigated the neurodevelopment of this population. From a total of 175 studies, ten articles fit the inclusion criteria in which 18 instruments were identified. The most reported deficits were related to language, general intelligence quotient (IQ), adaptive behavior, attention, and visual perception. Our results point to the need for more clinical research on FASD in Brazil, as well as for the standardization and validation of neurodevelopmental assessment tools for the accurate diagnosis of FASD in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina V Kovács
- Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yury V M Lages
- Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Breno S Vieira
- Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helenice Charchat-Fichman
- Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J Landeira-Fernandez
- Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thomas E Krahe
- Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Haidar H, Majzoub RE, Hajeer S, Abbas LA. Arterial spin labeling (ASL-MRI) versus fluorodeoxyglucose-PET (FDG-PET) in diagnosing dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:385. [PMID: 37875879 PMCID: PMC10594722 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03432-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is generally caused by neurodegenerative diseases affecting the brain, which leads to a progressive neurocognitive decline characterized by inability to perform major higher functioning tasks. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan is one of the main imaging tests performed for diagnostic purposes. However, with FDG-PET being quite expensive and not widely available, an attempt to find an alternative is set. Arterial-spin-labelling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) is an increasingly investigated substitute to FDG-PET for the diagnosis of dementia. Thereby, the main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the diagnostic ability of FDG-PET and ASL-MRI in detecting dementia. METHODS PRISMA checklist for diagnostic test accuracy was employed in outlining this paper. A literature search was done using several search engines including PubMed, Core, and Cochrane. Two researchers (HH and SH) extracted the essential information from all included articles. Risk of bias was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool, version 2 (QUADAS-2). A qualitative analysis and summary of studies' results were provided. In addition, a meta-analysis was executed based on the studies which involved sensitivity and specificity measures of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Fourteen total studies were included in the given review. Qualitative analysis of the articles showed that nine studies demonstrated an overlap between metabolic and perfused brain maps as derived by FDG-PET and ASL-MRI respectively, while the remaining five studies registered significant differences across both modalities, with superiority to FDG-PET. As for the meta-analysis implemented, summary ROC-curve analysis revealed that FDG-PET performed better than ASL-MRI, with pooled sensitivity being significantly higher for FDG-PET. CONCLUSIONS Comparing the diagnostic value of FDG-PET and ASL-MRI, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that FDG-PET still has an advantage over ASL-MRI. Such implication could be related to the technical differences relating to both modalities, with ASL-MRI having lower temporal resolution. It's worth mentioning that specificity was rather quite similar among both modalities and some studies found an overridden metabolic and perfused images. These findings call for future research to focus their scope of investigation while exploring the diagnostic value of ASL-MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Haidar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Rania El Majzoub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shorouk Hajeer
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Linda Abou Abbas
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Hyland MT, Courchesne-Krak NS, Bernes GA, Wozniak JR, Jones KL, Del Campo M, Riley EP, Mattson SN. Results of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:1560-1569. [PMID: 37328959 PMCID: PMC10724376 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed whether the outcome of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the FASD-Tree, was associated with neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes. METHODS Data for this study were collected as part of the fourth phase of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD-4). Participants (N = 175, 5 to 16 years) with or without histories of prenatal alcohol exposure were recruited from San Diego and Minneapolis. Each participant was screened using the FASD-Tree and administered a neuropsychological test battery; parents or guardians completed behavioral questionnaires. The FASD-Tree incorporates physical and behavioral measures and provides an outcome regarding the presence of FASD (FASD-Positive or FASD-Negative). Logistic regression was used to test whether the FASD-Tree outcome was associated with general cognitive ability, executive function, academic achievement, and behavior. Associations were tested in two groups: the whole sample and only correctly classified participants. RESULTS Results of the FASD-Tree were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD-Positive were more likely than those classified as FASD-Negative to have a lower IQ score and exhibit poorer performance on measures of executive and academic functions. Behaviorally, participants classified as FASD-Positive were rated as having more behavior problems and adaptive difficulties. Similar relationships were found for all measures when including only participants correctly classified by the FASD-Tree screening tool. CONCLUSION Results from the FASD-Tree screening tool were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD-Positive were more likely to have impairment in all domains tested. The results support the effectiveness of the FASD-Tree as a screening tool for use in clinical settings, providing an efficient and accurate way to identify patients in need of additional evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. Hyland
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Gemma A. Bernes
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Miguel Del Campo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Edward P. Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
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Kable JA, Jones KL. Identifying Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Children Affected by It: A Review of Biomarkers and Screening Tools. Alcohol Res 2023; 43:03. [PMID: 37260694 PMCID: PMC10229137 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v43.1.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Early identification of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and of those in need of services resulting from this exposure is an important public health concern. This study reviewed the existing literature on potential biomarkers and screening tools of PAE and its impact. SEARCH METHODS Electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 1, 1996, and November 30, 2021, using the following search terms: ("fetal alcohol" or "prenatal alcohol" or "FASD" or "alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder" or "ARND" or "ND-PAE") and ("screening" or "identification" or "biomarker"). Duplicate articles were electronically eliminated. Titles and abstracts were reviewed for appropriateness, and selected articles were retrieved for further analysis. Additional articles were added that were referenced in the reviewed articles or identified from expert knowledge. Information about the characteristics of the sample, the biomarker or screening tool, and the predictive validity outcome data were abstracted. A narrative analysis of the studies was then performed on the data. SEARCH RESULTS A total of 3,813 articles were initially identified, and 1,215 were removed as duplicates. Of the remaining articles, 182 were identified as being within the scope of the review based on title and abstract inspection, and 181 articles were successfully retrieved. Of these, additional articles were removed because they were preclinical (3), were descriptive only (13), included only self-report of PAE (42), included only mean group comparison (17), were additional duplicates (2), focused on cost analysis (9), missed predictive validity data (24), or for other reasons (23). The remaining articles (n = 48) were abstracted. An additional 13 manuscripts were identified from these articles, and two more from expert knowledge. A total of 63 articles contributed to the review. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers and screening tools of PAE and its impact fall short of ideal predictive validity characteristics. Higher specificity than sensitivity was found for many of the biomarkers and screening tools used to identify PAE and its impact, suggesting that current methods continue to under-identify the full range of individuals impacted by PAE. Exceptions to this were found in recent investigations using microRNAs related to growth and vascular development, proteomic changes associated with PAE, and combinations of markers estimating levels of various cytokines. Replications of these findings are needed across other samples to confirm the limited data available. Future research on biomarkers and screening tools should attend to feasibility and scalability of implementation. This article also recommends a systematic process of evaluation to improve early identification of individuals impacted by PAE so that harm reduction and habilitative care efforts can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Kable
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Glass L, Moore EM, Mattson SN. Current considerations for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: identification to intervention. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023; 36:249-256. [PMID: 36939372 PMCID: PMC10079626 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights recent findings regarding the prevalence, public health impact, clinical presentation, intervention access and conceptualization of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Despite ongoing work in prevention and identification of this population, the rates of drinking during pregnancy have increased and significant gaps remain in diagnosis and intervention. RECENT FINDINGS Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most common preventable cause of developmental disability in the world. Research has focused on improving diagnostic clarity, utilizing technology and neuroimaging to facilitate identification, engaging broader stakeholders (including self-advocates) to inform understanding and needs, and increasing access to effective interventions. There is an emerging focus on developmental trajectories and experiences in young and middle adulthood. Public policy advocacy has also made great strides in recent years. SUMMARY Increases in public awareness, greater concordance of diagnostic schema, leveraged use of novel technology, and the development of targeted interventions within a holistic, strengths-based conceptualization are important considerations for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Glass
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
- University of California, Los Angeles Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eileen M. Moore
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
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Waite D, Burd L. Common developmental trajectories and clinical identification of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A synthesis of the literature. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10877. [PMID: 38389815 PMCID: PMC10880764 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
At an estimated prevalence of up to five percent in the general population, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, at least if not more prevalent than autism (2.3%). Despite this prevalence in the general population, pediatricians and other developmental specialists have thus far failed to diagnose this disability, leaving most children and adults without the supports provided for most other disabilities. This paper will provide a review of clinically relevant literature that describes the developmental challenges of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and addresses similarities to and differences of FASD from other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A subsequent discussion will describe how a diagnosis of an FASD can establish a basis for understanding the developmental and behavioral challenges of children with an FASD, and how specific interventions can help support child development and maximize adult independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Waite
- Developmental Pediatrics, Bronxcare Health System, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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12
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Kuhn M. Advancing screening for FASD: Commentary on "Validation of the FASD-Tree as a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders". ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:640-642. [PMID: 36799086 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kuhn
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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13
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Popova S, Charness ME, Burd L, Crawford A, Hoyme HE, Mukherjee RAS, Riley EP, Elliott EJ. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:11. [PMID: 36823161 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol readily crosses the placenta and may disrupt fetal development. Harm from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is determined by the dose, pattern, timing and duration of exposure, fetal and maternal genetics, maternal nutrition, concurrent substance use, and epigenetic responses. A safe dose of alcohol use during pregnancy has not been established. PAE can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth. FASD are a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disability. The prevalence of FASD in 76 countries is >1% and is high in individuals living in out-of-home care or engaged in justice and mental health systems. The social and economic effects of FASD are profound, but the diagnosis is often missed or delayed and receives little public recognition. Future research should be informed by people living with FASD and be guided by cultural context, seek consensus on diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatments, and describe the pathophysiology and lifelong effects of FASD. Imperatives include reducing stigma, equitable access to services, improved quality of life for people with FASD and FASD prevention in future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Popova
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Michael E Charness
- VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Larry Burd
- North Dakota Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pediatric Therapy Services, Altru Health System, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Andi Crawford
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - H Eugene Hoyme
- Sanford Children's Genomic Medicine Consortium, Sanford Health, and University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Raja A S Mukherjee
- National UK FASD Clinic, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Redhill, Surrey, UK
| | - Edward P Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,New South Wales FASD Assessment Service, CICADA Centre for Care and Intervention for Children and Adolescents affected by Drugs and Alcohol, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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McLachlan K, Minhas M, Ritter C, Kennedy K, Joly V, Faitakis M, Cook J, Unsworth K, MacKillop J, Pei J. Latent classes of neurodevelopmental profiles and needs in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2023; 47:772-785. [PMID: 36799306 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, but substantial interindividual heterogeneity complicates timely and accurate assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. The current study aimed to identify classes of children and adolescents with PAE assessed for FASD according to their pattern of significant neurodevelopmental functioning across 10 domains using latent class analysis (LCA), and to characterize these subgroups across clinical features. METHODS Data from the Canadian National FASD Database, a large ongoing repository of anonymized clinical data received from diagnostic clinics across Canada, was analyzed using a retrospective cross-sectional cohort design. The sample included 1440 children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years (M = 11.0, SD = 3.5, 41.7% female) with confirmed PAE assessed for FASD between 2016 and 2020. RESULTS Results revealed an optimal four-class solution. The Global needs group was characterized by high overall neurodevelopmental impairment considered severe in nature. The Regulation and Cognitive needs groups presented with moderate but substantively distinguishable patterns of significant neurodevelopmental impairment. The Attention needs group was characterized by relatively low probabilities of significant neurodevelopmental impairment. Both the Global and Regulation needs groups also presented with the highest probabilities of clinical needs, further signifying potential substantive differences in assessment and intervention needs across classes. CONCLUSIONS Four relatively distinct subgroups were present in a large heterogeneous sample of children and adolescents with PAE assessed for FASD in Canada. These findings may inform clinical services by guiding clinicians to identify distinct service pathways for these subgroups, potentially increasing access to a more personalized treatment approach and improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn McLachlan
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meenu Minhas
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chantel Ritter
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathleen Kennedy
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vannesa Joly
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Martina Faitakis
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jocelynn Cook
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Unsworth
- Canada FASD Research Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, & Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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15
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Mattson SN, Jones KL, Chockalingam G, Wozniak JR, Hyland MT, Courchesne-Krak NS, Del Campo M, Riley EP. Validation of the FASD-Tree as a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:263-272. [PMID: 36807293 PMCID: PMC9992228 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As many as 80% of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. This study tests the accuracy and validity of a web-based screening tool (the FASD-Tree) for identifying children and adolescents with FASD. METHODS Children with histories of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and controls (N = 302, including 224 with PAE and 78 controls) were examined for physical signs of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and parents completed behavioral questionnaires. Data were entered into the FASD-Tree, a web-based decision tree application. The FASD-Tree provided two outcomes: a dichotomous indicator (yes/no) and a numeric risk score (0 to 5), which have been shown separately to identify children with PAE and neurobehavioral impairment and to correlate with neurobehavioral outcomes. Overall accuracy (ACC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the decision tree, risk score, and their combination. Misclassified cases were examined for systematic bias. RESULTS The FASD-Tree was successful in accurately identifying youth with histories of PAE and the subgroup of individuals with FASD, indicating its validity as an FASD screening tool. Overall accuracy rates for FASD-Tree components ranged from 75.0% to 84.1%, and both the decision tree outcome and risk score, and their combination, resulted in fair to good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.722 to 0.862) of youth with histories of PAE or FASD. While most participants were correctly classified, those who were misclassified differed in IQ and attention. Race, ethnicity, and sex did not affect the results. CONCLUSION The FASD-Tree is not a biomarker of PAE and does not provide definitive evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure. Rather it is an accurate and valid screening tool for FASD and can be used by clinicians who suspect that a patient has a history of PAE, even if the exposure is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Ganz Chockalingam
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
- Blue Resonance, LLC
| | | | - Matthew T. Hyland
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Miguel Del Campo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Edward P. Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
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16
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Montag AC, Jones KL, Del Campo M, Akshoomoff N, Coles CD, Kable JA, Hernandez JG, Chambers CD. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and access to regional center services in San Diego County. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1857-1864. [PMID: 36059261 PMCID: PMC9588685 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are developmental disabilities that are estimated to occur in 2-5% of elementary school children and that negatively impact a child's ability to function without support. Timely diagnosis-informed interventions are crucial to optimizing the developmental trajectory of children with FASD. The true prevalence of FASD among children receiving services for developmental disabilities is unknown. METHODS An FASD prevalence study was carried out between 2011 and 2014 among a sample of 5- to 7-year-old children who were receiving services provided by the California State Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities in San Diego County. Children whose parent or caregiver consented were evaluated using the Collaboration on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevalence study assessment protocol and classification criteria. RESULTS Among 216 eligible caregiver-child dyads, 44 completed assessments that were sufficient to obtain a classification for FASD, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial FAS, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, or no fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Fifteen children were classified as meeting the criteria for an FASD. A minimum FASD prevalence rate of 69.4 per 1000 (6.9%) among all eligible children was estimated. None of the children classified as FASD were receiving services because of an FASD diagnosis, and none had previously been diagnosed with FASD. Autism was the most common qualifying diagnosis for which children classified as FASD were receiving services. CONCLUSIONS The 6.9% prevalence estimate among Regional Center clients was higher than the prevalence estimate of 2.3% in the same community among 5- to 7-year-old children in the general population, though the estimate was based on only 20% of eligible dyads. All children in the sample were receiving Regional Center services for another diagnosis. Barriers to eligibility for services for children with FASD may lead to less than optimum care for these children. Study findings support the facilitation of access to developmental services for children with FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika C Montag
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Miguel Del Campo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Natacha Akshoomoff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Claire D Coles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julie A Kable
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Christina D Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Ronen D, Senecky Y, Chodick G, Ganelin-Cohen E. The contribution of the Neurobehavioral Screening Tool to identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children at high risk of prenatal alcohol exposure and neurobehavioral deficits. Early Hum Dev 2022; 170:105608. [PMID: 35738133 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2022.105608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) describe various conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. The diagnosis of FASD can be challenging and complex. The Neurobehavioral Screening Tool (NST), derived from Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist, has been suggested as a tool for identifying FASD. AIMS To assess the external validity of the NST and to identify additional characteristics of FASD in a cohort of Israeli children and young adults referred to a neurology and child developmental clinic at a tertiary pediatric medical center in Israel. STUDY DESIGN An observational study based on medical records. SUBJECTS 151 children and young adults, of whom 40 were diagnosed with FASD according to updated clinical guidelines. OUTCOME MEASURES NST results, as well as demographic and neurobehavioral variables, were compared between those who were and were not diagnosed with FASD. RESULTS The NST demonstrated 72 % to 73 % sensitivity, and 34 % to 36 % specificity, in identifying FASD. Items 4 and 5 ('Lies or cheats', 'Lacks guilt after misbehaving') were the most predictive items in the NST. Other variables that were characteristic of the FASD group included: emotional regulation difficulties (p value <0.01), being born and adopted in Israel (vs. other countries) (p value <0.01) and younger age at the first visit to the clinic (p value <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings regarding the screening capabilities of the NST were less promising than those of most previous studies. Further research is needed to establish a valid neurobehavioral tool with the possible focus on antisocial behaviors and emotional regulation problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ronen
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Yehuda Senecky
- Institute of Pediatric Neurology and Child Development, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Gabriel Chodick
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Maccabitech, Maccabi Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Esther Ganelin-Cohen
- Institute of Pediatric Neurology and Child Development, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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18
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Reduced and delayed myelination and volume of corpus callosum in an animal model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders partially benefit from voluntary exercise. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10653. [PMID: 35739222 PMCID: PMC9226126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14752-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
1 in 20 live births in the United States is affected by prenatal alcohol exposure annually, creating a major public health crisis. The teratogenic impact of alcohol on physical growth, neurodevelopment, and behavior is extensive, together resulting in clinical disorders which fall under the umbrella term of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASD-related impairments to executive function and perceptual learning are prevalent among affected youth and are linked to disruptions to corpus callosum growth and myelination in adolescence. Targeted interventions that support neurodevelopment in FASD-affected youth are nonexistent. We evaluated the capacity of an adolescent exercise intervention, a stimulator of myelinogenesis, to upregulate corpus callosum myelination in a rat model of FASD (third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure). This study employs in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scanning to investigate the effects of: (1) neonatal alcohol exposure and (2) an adolescent exercise intervention on corpus callosum myelination in a rodent model of FASD. DTI scans were acquired twice longitudinally (pre- and post-intervention) in male and female rats using a 9.4 Tesla Bruker Biospec scanner to assess alterations to corpus callosum myelination noninvasively. Fractional anisotropy values as well as radial/axial diffusivity values were compared within-animal in a longitudinal study design. Analyses using mixed repeated measures ANOVA’s confirm that neonatal alcohol exposure in a rodent model of FASD delays the trajectory of corpus callosum growth and myelination across adolescence, with a heightened vulnerability in the male brain. Alterations to corpus callosum volume are correlated with reductions to forebrain volume which mediates an indirect relationship between body weight gain and corpus callosum growth. While we did not observe any significant effects of voluntary aerobic exercise on corpus callosum myelination immediately after completion of the 12-day intervention, we did observe a beneficial effect of exercise intervention on corpus callosum volume growth in all rats. In line with clinical findings, we have shown that prenatal alcohol exposure leads to hypomyelination of the corpus callosum in adolescence and that the severity of damage is sexually dimorphic. Further, exercise intervention improves corpus callosum growth in alcohol-exposed and control rats in adolescence.
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Abstract
This article is part of a Festschrift commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Established in 1970, first as part of the National Institute of Mental Health and later as an independent institute of the National Institutes of Health, NIAAA today is the world’s largest funding agency for alcohol research. In addition to its own intramural research program, NIAAA supports the entire spectrum of innovative basic, translational, and clinical research to advance the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related problems. To celebrate the anniversary, NIAAA hosted a 2-day symposium, “Alcohol Across the Lifespan: 50 Years of Evidence-Based Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment Research,” devoted to key topics within the field of alcohol research. This article is based on Dr. Charness’ presentation at the event. NIAAA Director George F. Koob, Ph.D., serves as editor of the Festschrift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Charness
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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20
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Bernes GA, Courchesne NS, Hyland MT, Villodas MT, Coles CD, Kable JA, May PA, Kalberg WO, Sowell ER, Wozniak JR, Jones KL, Riley EP, Mattson SN. Development and validation of a postnatal risk score that identifies children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:52-65. [PMID: 34806190 PMCID: PMC8799504 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to develop an efficient and easily calculable risk score that can be used to identify an individual's risk of having been exposed to alcohol prenatally. METHODS Data for this study were collected as part of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Phases 2 and 3. Two cohorts (ages 5 to 17 years) completed a comprehensive neurobehavioral battery and a standard dysmorphology exam: a development cohort (DC; n = 325) and a comparative cohort (CC; n = 523). Both cohorts included two groups: those with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (AE-DC, n = 121; AE-CC, n = 177) and a control group that included subjects with minimal or no prenatal alcohol exposure (CON-DC, n = 204; CON-CC, n = 346). Behavioral assessments and physical exam data were combined using regression techniques to derive a risk score indicating the likelihood of prenatal alcohol exposure. Subjects were then divided into two subgroups: (1) low risk and (2) high risk. Chi-square (χ2 ) determined classification accuracy and ROC curves were produced to assess the predictive accuracy. Correlations between risk scores and intelligence quotient and executive function scores were calculated. RESULTS Subjects were accurately classified in the DC (χ2 = 78.61, p < 0.001) and CC (χ2 = 86.63, p < 0.001). The classification model also performed well in the DC (ROC = 0.835 [SE = 0.024, p < 0.001]) and CC (ROC = 0.786 [SE = 0.021, p < 0.001]). In the AE-CC and CON-CC, there were modest but significant associations between the risk score and executive function (AE-CC: r = -0.20, p = 0.034; CON-CC: r = -0.28, p < 0.001) and intelligence quotient (AE-CC: r = -0.20, p = 0.034; CON-CC: r = -0.28, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION(S) The risk score significantly distinguished alcohol-exposed from control subjects and correlated with important cognitive outcomes. It has significant clinical potential and could be easily deployed in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma A. Bernes
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University,Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Natasia S. Courchesne
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University,Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Matthew T. Hyland
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University,Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Claire D. Coles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Julie A. Kable
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Philip A. May
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Nutrition Research Institute,Center on Alcohol, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico
| | - Wendy O. Kalberg
- Center on Alcohol, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico
| | - Elizabeth R. Sowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | | | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Edward P. Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University,Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University,Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to describe recent findings on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Alcohol causes a range of physical, developmental, and cognitive impairments on the developing fetus. Individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally have a wide variability in dysmorphic and neurologic features. Hence, a greater understanding of the mechanisms through which alcohol induces defects in the developing fetus is imperative in developing therapies that prevent alcohol-induced effects. RECENT FINDINGS Current research has focused on leveraging technology to developing tools that can aid in the diagnostic process, defining patterns of neurocognition and neuroimaging specific to FASD, developing neurobehavioral and pharmacologic interventions, and expanding access to care. SUMMARY FASDs are a common cause of neurodevelopmental impairment in school-age children, and their recognition is essential to provide early interventions in order to optimize the outcome for these individuals when they reach adulthood. Although previously thought to be the result of irreversible neurologic injury from prenatal alcohol exposure, recent evidence points to the benefits of applying principles regarding neuroplasticity in improving the lives for patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Gomez
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Omar A Abdul-Rahman
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Grubb M, Golden A, Withers A, Vellone D, Young A, McLachlan K. Screening approaches for identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: A systematic review. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:1527-1547. [PMID: 34453340 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and associated with a range of cognitive, affective, and health concerns. Although the identification of FASD can facilitate the provision of interventions and support, and plays a protective role against adverse outcomes, there are high rates of missed detection. The identification of FASD via screening may improve its recognition across settings. The current systematic review examined the available evidence on FASD screening tools and approaches across age groups and settings. METHODS A systematic search was carried out for both peer-reviewed studies and gray literature sources published between January 1990 and May 2020 and was preregistered with PROSPERO (#CRD42019122077). Studies included in the review focused on human applications of FASD screening in children, adolescents, and adults. The quality of the studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and GRADE frameworks. RESULTS The search yielded 20 screening tools and approaches across 45 studies, broadly characterized in 2 groups. The first group included approaches currently in use that aim to identify individuals at risk of FASD using a range of markers (n = 19) or associated sentinel dysmorphic facial features (n = 6). Another group of studies, characterized as emerging, focused on identifying promising biomarkers of PAE/FASD (n = 20). Overall, we identified limited research supporting the psychometric properties of most screening approaches. The quality review provided evidence of bias due to the common use of case-control designs and lack of adequate reference standards. CONCLUSIONS Although several FASD screening tools and approaches are available for use across a range of age groups and settings, the overall evidence base supporting their psychometric properties is weak, with most studies demonstrating significant risk of bias. Service providers should exercise caution in selecting and implementing FASD screening tools given these limitations. It is critically important to accurately identify individuals with FASD across ages and settings to support healthy outcomes. Thus, there is a pressing need for additional research in this area, particularly validation studies in large and representative samples using robust methodological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Grubb
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ariella Golden
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Abigail Withers
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Daniella Vellone
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Arlene Young
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Del Campo M, Beach D, Wells A, Jones KL. Use of Telemedicine for the Physical Examination of Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:409-417. [PMID: 33316074 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are among the most prevalent causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. The diagnosis is based on assessment of prenatal alcohol exposure, specific physical features identified with a dysmorphology examination, and neurobehavioral assessment. Prompt diagnosis of affected children is necessary to provide early intervention services in a timely manner; however, the availability of diagnostic expertise is limited. We propose telemedicine (TM) as a valid and reliable mode by which the physical phenotype of FASD can be accurately assessed. METHODS We compared face-to-face (F2F) physical examinations of the 3 key facial features and the resulting physical phenotype of the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and partial FAS (pFAS), as well as 12 additional physical features seen more frequently in children with FAS than in the general population in 61 individuals with 2 different TM methods. These included a Transportable Examination Station system using a precision camera and a laptop and a Zoom secure connection system (ZOOM), using a smart phone and a tablet. We measured the percentages of agreement and the Cohen's K coefficient for each comparison. RESULTS Agreements for most physical features and for the physical phenotype of FAS and pFAS were in the "almost perfect" range with some exceptions in the "substantial" range. Imprecision in measurement and subjectivity underlie lower agreement for some features, both F2F and using TM. We identified the optimal conditions for the F2F examinations in order to assure reliability using TM. CONCLUSIONS TM is a valid and reliable method for the examination of the physical features of FAS that may contribute to greater access to an early diagnosis of FASD in children prenatally exposed to alcohol and/or with characteristic neurobehavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Del Campo
- Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Deanna Beach
- Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alan Wells
- Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Division of Dysmorphology and Teratology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
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May PA, Marais AS, De Vries MM, Buckley D, Kalberg WO, Hasken JM, Stegall JM, Hedrick DM, Robinson LK, Manning MA, Tabachnick BG, Seedat S, Parry CDH, Hoyme HE. The prevalence, child characteristics, and maternal risk factors for the continuum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A sixth population-based study in the same South African community. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 218:108408. [PMID: 33250379 PMCID: PMC7756187 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence and characteristics of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have been described previously in this community. METHODS Active case ascertainment methods were employed in a new cross-sectional study with Revised Institute of Medicine criteria among first grade students (n = 735) via dysmorphology examinations and neurobehavioral assessments. Their mothers were interviewed regarding risk factors. Final diagnoses were assigned via structured case conferences. RESULTS Children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (PFAS), and alcohol related-neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) were significantly different from controls on all cardinal variables, multiple dysmorphology traits and neurobehavioral performance. Mothers of children with FASD reported significantly more drinking before and during pregnancy (mothers of children with FAS reported 7.8 (±6.1) drinks per drinking day (DDD) prior to pregnancy and 5.1 (±5.9) after pregnancy recognition). Distal risk variables for a diagnosis on the continuum of FASD were: lower maternal height, weight, and body mass index; higher gravidity; lower education and household income; and later pregnancy recognition. Alcohol and tobacco remain the only commonly used drugs. Women reporting first trimester drinking of two DDD were 13 times more likely (95 % CI:1.3-133.4) to have a child with FASD than non-drinkers; and those who reported drinking throughout pregnancy were 19.4 times more likely (95 % CI:8.2-46.0) to have a child with FASD. CONCLUSION Seventeen years after the first study in this community, FASD prevalence remains high at 16 %-31 %. The FAS rate may have declined somewhat, but rates of PFAS and ARND seemed to plateau, at a high rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A May
- Nutrition Research Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, United States; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions, The University of New Mexico, 2650 Yale SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, United States.
| | - Anna-Susan Marais
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Marlene M De Vries
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - David Buckley
- Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions, The University of New Mexico, 2650 Yale SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, United States
| | - Wendy O Kalberg
- Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions, The University of New Mexico, 2650 Yale SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, United States
| | - Julie M Hasken
- Nutrition Research Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, United States
| | - Julie M Stegall
- Nutrition Research Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, United States
| | - Dixie M Hedrick
- Nutrition Research Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, United States
| | - Luther K Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, 1001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
| | - Melanie A Manning
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Barbara G Tabachnick
- California State University, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330, United States
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Charles D H Parry
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Drive, Parowvallei, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - H Eugene Hoyme
- Sanford Children's Genomic Medicine Consortium, Sanford Health, and the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1600 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD, 57117, United States; Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85724, United States
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25
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Blanck-Lubarsch M, Dirksen D, Feldmann R, Bormann E, Hohoff A. Simplifying Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Using Machine Learning Methods. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:707566. [PMID: 35127583 PMCID: PMC8814594 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.707566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, caused by gestational exposure to alcohol. Patients with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS-most severe form of FASD) show abnormal facial features. The aim of our study was to use 3D- metric facial data of patients with FAS and identify machine learning methods, which could improve and objectify the diagnostic process. MATERIAL AND METHODS Facial 3D scans of 30 children with FAS and 30 controls were analyzed. Skeletal, facial, dental and orthodontic parameters as collected in previous studies were used to evaluate their value for machine learning based diagnosis. Three machine learning methods, decision trees, support vector machine and k-nearest neighbors were tested with respect to their accuracy and clinical practicability. RESULTS All three of the above machine learning methods showed a high accuracy of 89.5%. The three predictors with the highest scores were: Midfacial length, palpebral fissure length of the right eye and nose breadth at sulcus nasi. CONCLUSIONS With the parameters right palpebral fissure length, midfacial length and nose breadth at sulcus nasi, machine learning was an efficient method for the objective and reliable detection of patients with FAS within our patient group. Of the three tested methods, decision trees would be the most helpful and easiest to apply method for everyday clinical and private practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dieter Dirksen
- Department of Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Eike Bormann
- Department of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ariane Hohoff
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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26
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Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:760-770. [PMID: 31160204 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(19)30150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although prenatal alcohol exposure causes craniofacial anomalies, growth retardation, neurological abnormalities, cognitive impairment, and birth defects, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is underdiagnosed. Global prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is 0·77%, with a higher prevalence of 2-5% in Europe and North America, highlighting the need for increased diagnosis and treatment. However, diagnosis remains challenging because of the poor reliability of self-reported maternal drinking histories, an absence of sensitive biomarkers, and the infrequency of diagnostic dysmorphic facial features among individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Different diagnostic systems and disagreements over criteria have slowed progress in the diagnosis and management of the disorder. Neuroimaging shows abnormalities in brain structure, cortical development, white matter microstructure, and functional connectivity in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. These abnormalities modify developmental trajectories and are associated with deficits in cognition, executive function, memory, vision, hearing, motor skills, behaviour, and social adaptation. Promising trials of nutritional interventions and cognitive rehabilitation therapies are underway, with the aim of treating cognitive deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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27
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Mattson SN, Bernes GA, Doyle LR. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Review of the Neurobehavioral Deficits Associated With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:1046-1062. [PMID: 30964197 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In utero alcohol exposure can disrupt the development of the fetal brain and result in a wide range of neurobehavioral outcomes collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This paper provides a comprehensive review of the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure, including domains of general intelligence, executive functioning, language development, learning and memory, adaptive functioning, academic performance, and concurrent psychopathology. In addition, the current status of the neurobehavioral profile of FASD and its potential as a diagnostic tool will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Gemma A Bernes
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Lauren R Doyle
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
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28
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Flaherty E, Legano L, Idzerda S, Sirotnak AP, Budzak AE, Gavril AR, Haney SB, Laskey A“T, Messner SA, Moles RL, Palsuci VJ. Ongoing Pediatric Health Care for the Child Who Has Been Maltreated. Pediatrics 2019; 143:peds.2019-0284. [PMID: 30886109 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatricians provide continuous medical care and anticipatory guidance for children who have been reported to state child protection agencies, including tribal child protection agencies, because of suspected child maltreatment. Because families may continue their relationships with their pediatricians after these reports, these primary care providers are in a unique position to recognize and manage the physical, developmental, academic, and emotional consequences of maltreatment and exposure to childhood adversity. Substantial information is available to optimize follow-up medical care of maltreated children. This new clinical report will provide guidance to pediatricians about how they can best oversee and foster the optimal physical health, growth, and development of children who have been maltreated and remain in the care of their biological family or are returned to their care by Child Protective Services agencies. The report describes the pediatrician's role in helping to strengthen families' and caregivers' capabilities and competencies and in promoting and maximizing high-quality services for their families in their community. Pediatricians should refer to other reports and policies from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more information about the emotional and behavioral consequences of child maltreatment and the treatment of these consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emalee Flaherty
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lori Legano
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York; and
| | - Sheila Idzerda
- Billings Clinic Bozeman Acorn Pediatrics, Bozeman, Montana
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29
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Zhang C, Paolozza A, Tseng PH, Reynolds JN, Munoz DP, Itti L. Detection of Children/Youth With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Through Eye Movement, Psychometric, and Neuroimaging Data. Front Neurol 2019; 10:80. [PMID: 30833926 PMCID: PMC6388649 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is one of the most common causes of developmental disabilities and neurobehavioral deficits. Despite the high-prevalence of FASD, the current diagnostic process is challenging and time- and money- consuming, with underreported profiles of the neurocognitive and neurobehavioral impairments because of limited clinical capacity. We assessed children/youth with FASD from a multimodal perspective and developed a high-performing, low-cost screening protocol using a machine learning framework. Methods and Findings: Participants with FASD and age-matched typically developing controls completed up to six assessments, including saccadic eye movement tasks (prosaccade, antisaccade, and memory-guided saccade), free viewing of videos, psychometric tests, and neuroimaging of the corpus callosum. We comparatively investigated new machine learning methods applied to these data, toward the acquisition of a quantitative signature of the neurodevelopmental deficits, and the development of an objective, high-throughput screening tool to identify children/youth with FASD. Our method provides a comprehensive profile of distinct measures in domains including sensorimotor and visuospatial control, visual perception, attention, inhibition, working memory, academic functions, and brain structure. We also showed that a combination of four to six assessments yields the best FASD vs. control classification accuracy; however, this protocol is expensive and time consuming. We conducted a cost/benefit analysis of the six assessments and developed a high-performing, low-cost screening protocol based on a subset of eye movement and psychometric tests that approached the best result under a range of constraints (time, cost, participant age, required administration, and access to neuroimaging facility). Using insights from the theory of value of information, we proposed an optimal annual screening procedure for children at risk of FASD. Conclusions: We developed a high-capacity, low-cost screening procedure under constrains, with high expected monetary benefit, substantial impact of the referral and diagnostic process, and expected maximized long-term benefits to the tested individuals and to society. This annual screening procedure for children/youth at risk of FASD can be easily and widely deployed for early identification, potentially leading to earlier intervention and treatment. This is crucial for neurodevelopmental disorders, to mitigate the severity of the disorder and/or frequency of secondary comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Angelina Paolozza
- Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Po-He Tseng
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - James N Reynolds
- Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas P Munoz
- Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Laurent Itti
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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30
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Lussier AA, Morin AM, MacIsaac JL, Salmon J, Weinberg J, Reynolds JN, Pavlidis P, Chudley AE, Kobor MS. DNA methylation as a predictor of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:5. [PMID: 29344313 PMCID: PMC5767049 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0439-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a developmental disorder that manifests through a range of cognitive, adaptive, physiological, and neurobiological deficits resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Although the North American prevalence is currently estimated at 2-5%, FASD has proven difficult to identify in the absence of the overt physical features characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome. As interventions may have the greatest impact at an early age, accurate biomarkers are needed to identify children at risk for FASD. Building on our previous work identifying distinct DNA methylation patterns in children and adolescents with FASD, we have attempted to validate these associations in a different clinical cohort and to use our DNA methylation signature to develop a possible epigenetic predictor of FASD. Methods Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns were analyzed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 array in the buccal epithelial cells of a cohort of 48 individuals aged 3.5-18 (24 FASD cases, 24 controls). The DNA methylation predictor of FASD was built using a stochastic gradient boosting model on our previously published dataset FASD cases and controls (GSE80261). The predictor was tested on the current dataset and an independent dataset of 48 autism spectrum disorder cases and 48 controls (GSE50759). Results We validated findings from our previous study that identified a DNA methylation signature of FASD, replicating the altered DNA methylation levels of 161/648 CpGs in this independent cohort, which may represent a robust signature of FASD in the epigenome. We also generated a predictive model of FASD using machine learning in a subset of our previously published cohort of 179 samples (83 FASD cases, 96 controls), which was tested in this novel cohort of 48 samples and resulted in a moderately accurate predictor of FASD status. Upon testing the algorithm in an independent cohort of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, we did not detect any bias towards autism, sex, age, or ethnicity. Conclusion These findings further support the association of FASD with distinct DNA methylation patterns, while providing a possible entry point towards the development of epigenetic biomarkers of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A. Lussier
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - Alexander M. Morin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - Julia L. MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - Jenny Salmon
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - James N. Reynolds
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columnbia Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - Albert E. Chudley
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
- Human Early Learning Partnership, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
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31
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Abstract
This grand rounds manuscript reviews important considerations in developing case conceptualizations for individuals with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure. This case study provides an introduction to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, diagnostic issues, a detailed description of the individual's history, presenting symptoms, neuropsychological test results, and an integrated summary. We describe a 9-year old girl diagnosed with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD): Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE). This patient is a composite of a prototypical child who participated as part of a research project at the Center for Behavioral Teratology who was subsequently seen at an outpatient child psychiatry facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Glass
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120
| | - Sarah N Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120
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32
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Panczakiewicz AL, Glass L, Coles CD, Kable JA, Sowell ER, Wozniak JR, Jones KL, Riley EP, Mattson SN. Neurobehavioral Deficits Consistent Across Age and Sex in Youth with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1971-81. [PMID: 27430360 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobehavioral consequences of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure are well documented; however, the role of age or sex in these effects has not been studied. The current study examined the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, sex, and age on neurobehavioral functioning in children. METHODS Subjects were 407 youth with prenatal alcohol exposure (n = 192) and controls (n = 215). Two age groups (child [5 to 7 years] or adolescent [10 to 16 years]) and both sexes were included. All subjects completed standardized neuropsychological testing, and caregivers completed parent-report measures of psychopathology and adaptive behavior. Neuropsychological functioning, psychopathology, and adaptive behavior were analyzed with separate 2 (exposure history) × 2 (sex) × 2 (age) multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Significant effects were followed by univariate analyses. RESULTS No 3-way or 2-way interactions were significant. The main effect of group was significant in all 3 MANOVAs, with the control group performing better than the alcohol-exposed group on all measures. The main effect of age was significant for neuropsychological performance and adaptive functioning across exposure groups with younger children performing better than older children on 3 measures (language, communication, socialization). Older children performed better than younger children on a different language measure. The main effect of sex was significant for neuropsychological performance and psychopathology; across exposure groups, males had stronger language and visual spatial scores and fewer somatic complaints than females. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal alcohol exposure resulted in impaired neuropsychological and behavioral functioning. Although adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure may perform more poorly than younger exposed children, the same was true for nonexposed children. Thus, these cross-sectional data indicate that the developmental trajectory for neuropsychological and behavioral performance is not altered by prenatal alcohol exposure, but rather, deficits are consistent across the 2 age groups tested. Similarly, observed sex differences on specific measures were consistent across the groups and do not support sexually dimorphic effects in these domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Panczakiewicz
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Leila Glass
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Claire D Coles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Julie A Kable
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elizabeth R Sowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Developmental Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Division of Research on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jeffrey R Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Edward P Riley
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Sarah N Mattson
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
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