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Powers G, Lewis B, Min MO, Minnes S, Kim JY, Kim SK, Singer L. The association of prenatal cocaine exposure with expressive and receptive language skills, phonological processing and reading ability at age 17. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 95:107135. [PMID: 36395974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107135] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) has been associated with small but significant effects on language development in childhood and early adolescence. This study examined whether this association persists into later adolescence and what relationship language skills may have with reading proficiency in this population. METHODS Enrolled were 338 (167 with PCE, 171 with NCE or no cocaine exposure) 17-year-olds recruited at birth who, together with their current caregiver, were seen as part of a 17-year follow-up. Participants were given assessments of reading achievement (WIAT-III), receptive and expressive language (CELF-IV), and phonological processing (CTOPP). Relationships between PCE status and language outcomes were modeled using multiple linear regression controlling for environmental and caregiver factors, and other prenatal substance exposures. RESULTS Adolescents with PCE scored lower in areas of phonological processing and reading related skills compared to adolescents with NCE. PCE by sex interactions were identified on language, memory and spoken language comprehension, with lower scores for girls with PCE compared to girls with NCE. CONCLUSION These findings suggest the persistence of PCE's relationship with phonological awareness well into adolescence. PCE was also associated with lower scores on measures of skills related to reading ability, which may be a manifestation of the observed deficits in phonological processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Powers
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11235 Bellflower Road, Cleveland,OH, United States.
| | - Barbara Lewis
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States.
| | - Meeyoung O Min
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, 201 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States.
| | - Sonia Minnes
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11235 Bellflower Road, Cleveland,OH, United States.
| | - June-Yung Kim
- Department of Social Work, University of North Dakota, Gillette Hall Room 302, 225 Centennial, Dr. Stop 7135, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7135, United States.
| | - Sun Kyung Kim
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11235 Bellflower Road, Cleveland,OH, United States.
| | - Lynn Singer
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve, University, 1090 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, United States.
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Peterson BS, Rosen T, Dingman S, Toth ZR, Sawardekar S, Hao X, Liu F, Xu D, Dong Z, Peterson JB, Ryoo JH, Serino D, Branch CA, Bansal R. Associations of Maternal Prenatal Drug Abuse With Measures of Newborn Brain Structure, Tissue Organization, and Metabolite Concentrations. JAMA Pediatr 2020; 174:831-842. [PMID: 32539126 PMCID: PMC7296459 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.1622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Increasing rates of illicit drug use during pregnancy may be associated with risk for long-term health problems in prenatally exposed children. OBJECTIVE To identify the associations of prenatal exposure to illicit drugs with organization of the newborn brain. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS For this cohort study, a volunteer sample of 210 illicit drug-using and nonusing mothers and their newborns was enrolled from prenatal clinics and drug abuse treatment programs in New York, New York. Enrollment, scanning, and long-term follow-up occurred from September 2004 through February 2012, and image processing and statistical analyses continued through fall 2018. In addition to 26 participants with incomplete data, a total of 64 mothers were lost to follow-up during pregnancy, and 13 newborns were lost to follow-up at birth because of perinatal complications. EXPOSURES Newborns were assigned to 1 of 4 primary exposure groups based on the history of most frequent maternal drug use: marijuana, cocaine, methadone maintenance, and/or heroin. Unexposed newborns were controls. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Unsedated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of newborn brains was performed shortly after birth. Infant neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at age 12 months. MRI modalities included anatomical imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, T2 relaxometry, and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Infant neurodevelopmental outcomes included Bayley scales of infant development-III and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Statistical analyses were performed with results represented on the brain images. RESULTS Of 118 mothers, 42 (35%) were in the control group (mean [SD] age, 25.9 [6.1] years), 29 (25%) were in the cocaine group (mean [SD] age, 29.0 [6.1] years), 29 (25%) were in the marijuana group (mean [SD] age, 24.3 [5.5] years), and 18 (15%) were in the methadone and/or heroin group (mean [SD] age, 30.9 [5.7] years). Not all newborns could be scanned successfully; therefore, usable MRIs were acquired for 118 newborns from predominantly minority groups and with economically disadvantaged mothers. Anatomic abnormalities were detected in similar locations across all 3 drug exposures and included smaller volumes in the dorsal, medial, and ventral surfaces of the frontal lobe and dose-related increases in volumes in the lateral temporal lobe, dorsal parietal lobe, and superior frontal gyrus. Dose-related increases in diffusion tensor measures of tissue organization, decreases in T2 relaxometry times, and increases in spectroscopy metabolite concentrations were similar across exposures. These associations of exposures with brain measures were similar to the associations of newborn age with brain measures. The anatomic and diffusion tensor imaging measures suppressively mediated the associations of prenatal exposure with poorer 12-month infant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings suggest that prenatal drug exposure is associated with measures of newborn brain tissue in patterns that may indicate that exposures accelerated normal fetal brain maturation, which in turn mediated the associations with poorer 12-month infant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S. Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Tove Rosen
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sherry Dingman
- Department of Psychology, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York
| | - Zachary R. Toth
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Siddhant Sawardekar
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xuejun Hao
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Dongrong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Zhengchao Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Jarod B. Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ji Hoon Ryoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dana Serino
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Craig A. Branch
- Department of Radiology and Physiology, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Bronx, New York,Department of Biophysics, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Ravi Bansal
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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Miller JS, Anderson JG, Erwin PC, Davis SK, Lindley LC. The Effects of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on Language Delay from Birth to 10 Years. J Pediatr Nurs 2020; 51:67-74. [PMID: 31923742 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the longitudinal effects of a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) on language development over the first 10 years of life. DESIGN AND METHODS This study used a retrospective, longitudinal design. The data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to examine the effects of NAS on language delay over time while controlling for demographic, prenatal, and household factors. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the pattern of language delays over time between the NAS and non-NAS groups. At the age of 5 (est: -1.788, p < .001), children with a history of NAS had a decreased log odds of developing language delays than those without NAS. Conversely, compared with age 1, at the age of 10 (est: 1.098 p < .001), children with a history of NAS had an increased log odds of developing language delays than those without NAS. CONCLUSIONS Children with a history of NAS had significantly different rates of language delays over time. Children with a history of NAS had significantly higher rates of language delays at 10 years than children without NAS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS There is a need to increase developmental surveillance, along with referrals for specialized services, for children with a history of NAS through middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Shearer Miller
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States of America.
| | - Joel G Anderson
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States of America.
| | - Paul Campbell Erwin
- School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
| | - Sharon K Davis
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States of America.
| | - Lisa C Lindley
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States of America.
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Parolin M, Simonelli A, Mapelli D, Sacco M, Cristofalo P. Parental Substance Abuse As an Early Traumatic Event. Preliminary Findings on Neuropsychological and Personality Functioning in Young Drug Addicts Exposed to Drugs Early. Front Psychol 2016; 7:887. [PMID: 27378983 PMCID: PMC4909766 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental substance use is a major risk factor for child development, heightening the risk of drug problems in adolescence and young adulthood, and exposing offspring to several types of traumatic events. First, prenatal drug exposure can be considered a form of trauma itself, with subtle but long-lasting sequelae at the neuro-behavioral level. Second, parents' addiction often entails a childrearing environment characterized by poor parenting skills, disadvantaged contexts and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), leading to dysfunctional outcomes. Young adults born from/raised by parents with drug problems and diagnosed with a Substance Used Disorder (SUD) themselves might display a particularly severe condition in terms of cognitive deficits and impaired personality function. This preliminary study aims to investigate the role of early exposure to drugs as a traumatic event, capable of affecting the psychological status of young drug addicts. In particular, it intends to examine the neuropsychological functioning and personality profile of young adults with severe SUDs who were exposed to drugs early in their family context. The research involved three groups, each consisting of 15 young adults (aged 18–24): a group of inpatients diagnosed with SUDs and exposed to drugs early, a comparison group of non-exposed inpatients and a group of non-exposed youth without SUDs. A neuropsychological battery (Esame Neuropsicologico Breve-2), an assessment procedure for personality disorders (Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200) and the Symptom CheckList-90-Revised were administered. According to present preliminary results, young drug addicts exposed to drugs during their developmental age were characterized by elevated rates of neuropsychological impairments, especially at the expense of attentive and executive functions (EF); personality disorders were also common but did not differentiate them from non-exposed youth with SUDs. Alternative multi-focused prevention and intervention programs are needed for children of drug-misusing parents, addressing EF and adopting a trauma-focused approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Parolin
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Simonelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Mapelli
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova Padua, Italy
| | - Marianna Sacco
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padua, Italy
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Martin MM, Graham DL, McCarthy DM, Bhide PG, Stanwood GD. Cocaine-induced neurodevelopmental deficits and underlying mechanisms. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART C, EMBRYO TODAY : REVIEWS 2016; 108:147-73. [PMID: 27345015 PMCID: PMC5538582 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to drugs early in life has complex and long-lasting implications for brain structure and function. This review summarizes work to date on the immediate and long-term effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine. In utero cocaine exposure produces disruptions in brain monoamines, particularly dopamine, during sensitive periods of brain development, and leads to permanent changes in specific brain circuits, molecules, and behavior. Here, we integrate clinical studies and significance with mechanistic preclinical studies, to define our current knowledge base and identify gaps for future investigation. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:147-173, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Devon L. Graham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Deirdre M. McCarthy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Pradeep G. Bhide
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Gregg D. Stanwood
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida
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6
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Singer LT, Minnes S, Min MO, Lewis BA, Short EJ. Prenatal cocaine exposure and child outcomes: a conference report based on a prospective study from Cleveland. Hum Psychopharmacol 2015; 30:285-9. [PMID: 26216564 PMCID: PMC4595926 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aims to describe developmental outcomes from a longitudinal prospective cohort (Cleveland study) of prenatally cocaine-exposed (CE) infants. METHODS Two hundred eighteen CE and 197 nonexposed infants were enrolled at birth and followed through mid-adolescence. Birth CE status was determined by interview and biologic measures. Multiple demographic, drug, and environmental correlates were controlled. Standardized, normative, reliable measures of fetal growth, intelligence quotient (IQ), behavior, executive function, and language were given at each age and risk for substance misuse assessed in adolescence. A subset of children received volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7 years and functional MRI at 14 years. The effect of CE was determined through multiple regression analyses controlling for confounders. RESULTS Cocaine exposed had significant negative effects on fetal growth, attention, executive function, language, and behavior, while overall IQ was not affected. CE had significant negative effects on perceptual reasoning IQ and visual-motor skills and predicted lower volume of corpus callosum and decreased gray matter in the occipital and parietal lobes. CE children had higher risk for substance misuse. Confounding risk factors had additive effects on developmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to cocaine was related to poorer perceptual organization IQ, visual-spatial information processing, attention, language, executive function, and behavior regulation through early adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Minnes
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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7
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Ross EJ, Graham DL, Money KM, Stanwood GD. Developmental consequences of fetal exposure to drugs: what we know and what we still must learn. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:61-87. [PMID: 24938210 PMCID: PMC4262892 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Most drugs of abuse easily cross the placenta and can affect fetal brain development. In utero exposures to drugs thus can have long-lasting implications for brain structure and function. These effects on the developing nervous system, before homeostatic regulatory mechanisms are properly calibrated, often differ from their effects on mature systems. In this review, we describe current knowledge on how alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine, Ecstasy, and opiates (among other drugs) produce alterations in neurodevelopmental trajectory. We focus both on animal models and available clinical and imaging data from cross-sectional and longitudinal human studies. Early studies of fetal exposures focused on classic teratological methods that are insufficient for revealing more subtle effects that are nevertheless very behaviorally relevant. Modern mechanistic approaches have informed us greatly as to how to potentially ameliorate the induced deficits in brain formation and function, but conclude that better delineation of sensitive periods, dose-response relationships, and long-term longitudinal studies assessing future risk of offspring to exhibit learning disabilities, mental health disorders, and limited neural adaptations are crucial to limit the societal impact of these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Ross
- Chemical & Physical Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Devon L Graham
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelli M Money
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gregg D Stanwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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8
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Hoff E, Rumiche R, Burridge A, Ribot KM, Welsh SN. Expressive Vocabulary Development in Children from Bilingual and Monolingual Homes: A Longitudinal Study from Two to Four Years. EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY 2014; 29:433-444. [PMID: 25089074 PMCID: PMC4114737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The early course of language development among children from bilingual homes varies in ways that are not well described and as a result of influences that are not well understood. Here, we describe trajectories of relative change in expressive vocabulary from 22 to 48 months and vocabulary achievement at 48 months in two groups of children from bilingual homes (children with one and children with two native Spanish-speaking parents [ns = 15 and 11]) and in an SES-equivalent group of children from monolingual English homes (n = 31). The two groups from bilingual homes differed in their mean levels of English and Spanish skills, in their developmental trajectories during this period, and in the relation between language use at home and their vocabulary development. Children with two native Spanish-speaking parents showed steepest gains in total vocabulary and were more nearly balanced bilinguals at 48 months. Children with one native Spanish- and one native English-speaking parent showed trajectories of relative decline in Spanish vocabulary. At 48 months, mean levels of English skill among the bilingual children were comparable to monolingual norms, but children with two native Spanish-speaking parents had lower English scores than the SES-equivalent monolingual group. Use of English at home was a significant positive predictor of English vocabulary scores only among children with a native English-speaking parent. These findings argue that efforts to optimize school readiness among children from immigrant families should facilitate their access to native speakers of the community language, and efforts to support heritage language maintenance should include encouraging heritage language use by native speakers in the home.
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Beeghly M, Rose-Jacobs R, Martin BM, Cabral HJ, Heeren TC, Frank DA. Level of intrauterine cocaine exposure and neuropsychological test scores in preadolescence: subtle effects on auditory attention and narrative memory. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2014; 45:1-17. [PMID: 24978115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychological processes such as attention and memory contribute to children's higher-level cognitive and language functioning and predict academic achievement. The goal of this analysis was to evaluate whether level of intrauterine cocaine exposure (IUCE) alters multiple aspects of preadolescents' neuropsychological functioning assessed using a single age-referenced instrument, the NEPSY: A Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (NEPSY) (Korkman et al., 1998), after controlling for relevant covariates. Participants included 137 term 9.5-year-old children from low-income urban backgrounds (51% male, 90% African American/Caribbean) from an ongoing prospective longitudinal study. Level of IUCE was assessed in the newborn period using infant meconium and maternal report. 52% of the children had IUCE (65% with lighter IUCE, and 35% with heavier IUCE), and 48% were unexposed. Infants with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, HIV seropositivity, or intrauterine exposure to illicit substances other than cocaine and marijuana were excluded. At the 9.5-year follow-up visit, trained examiners masked to IUCE and background variables evaluated children's neuropsychological functioning using the NEPSY. The association between level of IUCE and NEPSY outcomes was evaluated in a series of linear regressions controlling for intrauterine exposure to other substances and relevant child, caregiver, and demographic variables. Results indicated that level of IUCE was associated with lower scores on the Auditory Attention and Narrative Memory tasks, both of which require auditory information processing and sustained attention for successful performance. However, results did not follow the expected ordinal, dose-dependent pattern. Children's neuropsychological test scores were also altered by a variety of other biological and psychosocial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Beeghly
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ruth Rose-Jacobs
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine & Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Brett M Martin
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Howard J Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Timothy C Heeren
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Deborah A Frank
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine & Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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Lewis BA, Minnes S, Short EJ, Min MO, Wu M, Lang A, Weishampel P, Singer LT. Language outcomes at 12 years for children exposed prenatally to cocaine. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2013; 56:1662-76. [PMID: 24149136 PMCID: PMC4131682 DOI: 10.1044/1092-4388(2013/12-0119)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, the authors aimed to examine the long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on the language development of 12-year-old children using a prospective design, controlling for confounding prenatal drug exposure and environmental factors. METHOD Children who were exposed to cocaine in utero (PCE; n = 183) and children who were not exposed to cocaine (i.e., no cocaine exposure [NCE]; n = 181) were followed prospectively from birth to 12 years of age and were compared on language subtests of the Test of Language Development-Intermediate, Third Edition ( Hammill & Newcomer, 1997b), and phonological processing as measured by the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing ( Wagner & Torgesen, 1999). The authors evaluated the relationship of PCE to language development through a multivariate analysis of covariance and regression analyses while controlling for confounders. RESULTS Results show that PCE has small effects on specific aspects of language, including syntax and phonological processing. The caregiver variables of lower maternal vocabulary, more psychological symptoms, and a poorer home environment also had consistent effects on language and phonological processing scores. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that PCE continues to have small, subtle effects on specific aspects of language at age 12 years. Phonological processing skills were significantly related to the reading outcomes of letter-word identification, reading fluency, and reading comprehension, indicating that PCE also has small but lasting effects on the language skills that are related to later literacy skills.
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11
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Graf WD, Kekatpure MV, Kosofsky BE. Prenatal-onset neurodevelopmental disorders secondary to toxins, nutritional deficiencies, and maternal illness. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 111:143-159. [PMID: 23622159 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52891-9.00014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders result from an inordinate number of genetic and environmental causes during the embryological and fetal periods of life. In the clinical setting, deciphering precise etiological diagnoses is often difficult. Newer screening technologies allow a gradual shift from traditional nature-versus-nurture debates toward the focused analysis of gene-by-environment interactions (G X E). Further understanding of developmental adaptation and plasticity requires consideration of epigenetic processes such as maternal nutritional status, environmental toxins, maternal illnesses, as well as genetic determinants, alone or in combination. Appreciation of specific G X E mechanisms of neurodevelopmental pathogenesis should lead to better risk-modifying or preventive strategies. We provide a brief overview of clinical and experimental observations that link prenatal-onset toxic exposures, metabolic disturbances, and maternal illnesses to certain neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Graf
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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12
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Liao CY, Chen YJ, Lee JF, Lu CL, Chen CH. Cigarettes and the developing brain: Picturing nicotine as a neuroteratogen using clinical and preclinical studies. Tzu Chi Med J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcmj.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Abstract
Substance use among pregnant women continues to be a major public health concern, posing potential risk to their drug-exposed children as well as burdens on society. This review is intended to discuss the most recent literature regarding the association between in utero cocaine exposure and developmental and behavioral outcomes from birth through adolescence across various domains of functioning (growth, neurobiology, intelligence, academic achievement, language, executive functioning, behavioral regulation and psychopathology). In addition, methodological limitations, associated biological, sociodemographic and environmental risk factors and future directions in this area of research are discussed. Given the large number of exposed children in the child welfare system and the increased need for medical, mental health and special education services within this population, more definitively documenting associations between prenatal cocaine exposure and later child outcomes is essential in order to be able to prospectively address the many significant public health, economic and public policy implications.
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Riggins T, Cacic K, Buckingham-Howes S, Scaletti LA, Salmeron BJ, Black MM. Memory ability and hippocampal volume in adolescents with prenatal drug exposure. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2012; 34:434-41. [PMID: 22652523 PMCID: PMC3405159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2012.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of prenatal drug exposure (PDE) on memory performance and supporting brain structures (i.e., hippocampus) during adolescence. To achieve this goal, declarative memory ability and hippocampal volume were examined in a well-characterized sample of 138 adolescents (76 with a history of PDE and 62 from a non-exposed comparison group recruited from the same community, mean age=14 years). Analyses were adjusted for: age at time of the assessments, gender, IQ, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, and indices of early childhood environment (i.e., caregiver depression, potential for child abuse, and number of caregiver changes through 7 years of age). Results revealed that adolescents with a history of PDE performed worse on the California Verbal Learning Test-Child Version (CVLT-C), and story recall from the Children's Memory Scale (CMS), and had larger hippocampal volumes, even after covariate adjustment. Hippocampal volume was negatively correlated with memory performance on the CVLT-C, with lower memory scores associated with larger volumes. These findings provide support for long-term effects of PDE on memory function and point to neural mechanisms that may underlie these outcomes.
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Delgado C. Pregnancy 101: A Call for Reproductive and Prenatal Health Education in College. Matern Child Health J 2012; 17:240-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-012-0967-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Williams SK, Lauder JM, Johns JM. Prenatal Cocaine Disrupts Serotonin Signaling-Dependent Behaviors: Implications for Sex Differences, Early Stress and Prenatal SSRI Exposure. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 9:478-511. [PMID: 22379462 PMCID: PMC3151602 DOI: 10.2174/157015911796557957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Revised: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal cocaine (PC) exposure negatively impacts the developing nervous system, including numerous changes in serotonergic signaling. Cocaine, a competitive antagonist of the serotonin transporter, similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), also blocks dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, leaving the direct mechanism through which cocaine disrupts the developing serotonin system unclear. In order to understand the role of the serotonin transporter in cocaine's effect on the serotonergic system, we compare reports concerning PC and prenatal antidepressant exposure and conclude that PC exposure affects many facets of serotonergic signaling (serotonin levels, receptors, transporters) and that these effects differ significantly from what is observed following prenatal SSRI exposure. Alterations in serotonergic signaling are dependent on timing of exposure, test regimens, and sex. Following PC exposure, behavioral disturbances are observed in attention, emotional behavior and stress response, aggression, social behavior, communication, and like changes in serotonergic signaling, these effects depend on sex, age and developmental exposure. Vulnerability to the effects of PC exposure can be mediated by several factors, including allelic variance in serotonergic signaling genes, being male (although fewer studies have investigated female offspring), and experiencing the adverse early environments that are commonly coincident with maternal drug use. Early environmental stress results in disruptions in serotonergic signaling analogous to those observed with PC exposure and these may interact to produce greater behavioral effects observed in children of drug-abusing mothers. We conclude that based on past evidence, future studies should put a greater emphasis on including females and monitoring environmental factors when studying the impact of PC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Williams
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jean M Lauder
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Josephine M Johns
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Mactutus CF, Harrod SB, Hord LL, Moran LM, Booze RM. Prenatal IV Cocaine: Alterations in Auditory Information Processing. Front Psychiatry 2011; 2:38. [PMID: 21747770 PMCID: PMC3128243 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
One clue regarding the basis of cocaine-induced deficits in attentional processing is provided by the clinical findings of changes in the infants' startle response; observations buttressed by neurophysiological evidence of alterations in brainstem transmission time. Using the IV route of administration and doses that mimic the peak arterial levels of cocaine use in humans, the present study examined the effects of prenatal cocaine on auditory information processing via tests of the auditory startle response (ASR), habituation, and prepulse inhibition (PPI) in the offspring. Nulliparous Long-Evans female rats, implanted with an IV access port prior to breeding, were administered saline, 0.5, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg/injection of cocaine HCL (COC) from gestation day (GD) 8-20 (1×/day-GD8-14, 2×/day-GD15-20). COC had no significant effects on maternal/litter parameters or growth of the offspring. At 18-20 days of age, one male and one female, randomly selected from each litter displayed an increased ASR (>30% for males at 1.0 mg/kg and >30% for females at 3.0 mg/kg). When reassessed in adulthood (D90-100), a linear dose-response increase was noted on response amplitude. At both test ages, within-session habituation was retarded by prenatal cocaine treatment. Testing the females in diestrus vs. estrus did not alter the results. Prenatal cocaine altered the PPI response function across interstimulus interval and induced significant sex-dependent changes in response latency. Idazoxan, an α(2)-adrenergic receptor antagonist, significantly enhanced the ASR, but less enhancement was noted with increasing doses of prenatal cocaine. Thus, in utero exposure to cocaine, when delivered via a protocol designed to capture prominent features of recreational usage, causes persistent, if not permanent, alterations in auditory information processing, and suggests dysfunction of the central noradrenergic circuitry modulating, if not mediating, these responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F. Mactutus
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, University of South CarolinaColumbia, SC, USA
| | - Steven B. Harrod
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, University of South CarolinaColumbia, SC, USA
| | - Lauren L. Hord
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, University of South CarolinaColumbia, SC, USA
| | - Landhing M. Moran
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, University of South CarolinaColumbia, SC, USA
| | - Rosemarie M. Booze
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, University of South CarolinaColumbia, SC, USA
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Betancourt LM, Yang W, Brodsky NL, Gallagher PR, Malmud EK, Giannetta JM, Farah MJ, Hurt H. Adolescents with and without gestational cocaine exposure: Longitudinal analysis of inhibitory control, memory and receptive language. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2011; 33:36-46. [PMID: 21256423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies of gestational cocaine exposure (GCE) show evidence of changes in brain function at the anatomical, physiological, and behavioral levels, to include effects on developing dopaminergic systems. In contrast, human studies have produced less consistent results, with most showing small effects or no effects on developmental outcomes. Important changes in brain structure and function occur through adolescence, therefore it is possible that prenatal cocaine exposure has latent effects on neurocognitive (NC) outcome that do not manifest until adolescence or young adulthood. We examined NC function using a set of 5 tasks designed to tap 4 different systems: inhibitory control, working memory, receptive language, and incidental memory. For each NC task, data were collected longitudinally at ages 12, 14.5 and 17 years and examined using generalized estimating equations. One hundred and nine children completed at least two of the three evaluations. Covariates included in the final model were assessment number, gender, participant age at first assessment, caregiver depression, and two composites from the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME), Environmental Stimulation and Parental Nurturance. We found no cocaine effects on inhibitory control, working memory, or receptive language (p=0.18). GCE effects were observed on incidental face memory task (p=0.055), and GCE by assessment number interaction effects were seen on the incidental word memory task (p=0.031). Participant performance on inhibitory control, working memory, and receptive language tasks improved over time. HOME Environmental Stimulation composite was associated with better receptive language functioning. With a larger sample size smaller differences between groups may have been detected. This report shows no evidence of latent effects of GCE on inhibitory control, working memory, or receptive language. GCE effects were observed on the incidental face memory task, and GCE by assessment number interaction effects was seen on the incidental word memory task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Betancourt
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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19
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Heinonen K, Räikkönen K, Pesonen AK, Andersson S, Kajantie E, Eriksson JG, Wolke D, Lano A. Longitudinal study of smoking cessation before pregnancy and children's cognitive abilities at 56 months of age. Early Hum Dev 2011; 87:353-9. [PMID: 21397413 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An inverse relationship exists between the rates of maternal smoking during pregnancy and children's cognitive abilities. The effect of maternal cessation of smoking before pregnancy on child's cognitive development is less clear. AIMS To study whether maternal cessation of smoking before pregnancy is associated with children's cognitive abilities. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS The original cohort included all 1535 live-born infants admitted to the neonatal wards during 1 year and 658 randomly recruited non-admitted infants. The present study sample comprised 1019 (68.2%) children of the original sample born at term and free of any major impairment followed up to 56 months. OUTCOME MEASURES Child's general reasoning, visual-motor integration, verbal competence, and language comprehension at 56 months of age. RESULTS The results showed that children whose mothers smoked >10 cigarettes per day before pregnancy but none during pregnancy, fared 12.07 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.07 to 20.08) and 11.23 (95% CI: 2.81 to 19.66) age-standardized points poorer in general reasoning and in language comprehension tests, respectively, than children of never-smokers. All results were adjusted for the sex, gestational age-adjusted birth weight, multiple/singleton pregnancy, birth order, preeclampsia, maternal diabetes, admission to neonatal ward, 5-minute Apgar score (<7), breastfeeding, parental level of education, maternal age, BMI at the end of pregnancy and single parenting. CONCLUSIONS Heavy smoking before pregnancy is associated with children's lower cognitive abilities even if the mother has quit smoking before pregnancy. Identification and intervention of heavy smoking women of fertile age would potentially improve not only their odds to become pregnant but also benefit the offspring's cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati Heinonen
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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20
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Lewis BA, Minnes S, Short EJ, Weishampel P, Satayathum S, Min MO, Nelson S, Singer LT. The effects of prenatal cocaine on language development at 10 years of age. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 33:17-24. [PMID: 20600843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2010.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2009] [Revised: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the long term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on the language development of 10-year-old children utilizing a prospective design, controlling for confounding drug and environmental factors. PARTICIPANTS Children exposed to cocaine in utero (PCE; n=175) and non-exposed children (NCE; n=175) were followed prospectively to 10years of age and were compared on language subscales of the Test of Language Development-Intermediate 3rd Edition (TOLD-I:3) and phonological processing as measured by the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP). METHODS Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), linear regression, and logistic regressions were used to evaluate the relationship of prenatal cocaine exposure to language development, while controlling for confounders. RESULTS After controlling for confounding variables, prenatal cocaine effects were observed for specific aspects of language including syntax (Sentence Combining subtest of the TOLD-I:3, p=0.001), semantics (Malopropism subtest of the TOLD-I:3, p=0.05) and phonological processing (Phonological Awareness subscale, p=0.01). The caregiver factors of vocabulary, HOME, and psychological symptoms also had consistent effects on language subtests and phonological processing scores. Children with PCE who experienced foster or adoptive care had enhanced language development compared to those living with birth mothers or in relative care. Cocaine exposed girls had lower scores on the phonological awareness subscale of the CTOPP than non-exposed girls. CONCLUSIONS PCE has subtle effects on specific aspects of language development and phonological processing at age 10, even after controlling for confounding variables. Environmental factors (i.e., postnatal lead exposure, home environment, and caregiver vocabulary and psychological symptoms) also impact language skills at 10years. Adoptive or foster care appears to enrich PCE children's linguistic environment and protects children against language delay in the PCE sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Lewis
- Department of Communication Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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21
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Richardson GA, Goldschmidt L, Leech S, Willford J. Prenatal cocaine exposure: Effects on mother- and teacher-rated behavior problems and growth in school-age children. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 33:69-77. [PMID: 20600846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this longitudinal study of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE), school-age physical and cognitive development and behavioral characteristics were examined, while controlling for other factors that affect child development. At this follow-up phase, children were on average 7.2 years old, and their caregivers were 33.7 years old, had 12.5 years of education, and 48% were African American. During the first trimester, 20% of the women were frequent cocaine users (≥1 line/day). First trimester cocaine exposure predicted decreased weight and height at 7 years. There was no significant relationship between PCE and the cognitive and neuropsychological measures. Third trimester cocaine use predicted more total and externalizing behavior problems on the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991 [3]) and the Teacher Report Form (Achenbach, 1991 [4]), and increased activity, inattention, and impulsivity on the Routh Activity (Routh et al., 1974 [67]) and SNAP scales (Pelham and Bender, 1982 [55]). Children who were exposed to cocaine throughout pregnancy had more mother- and teacher-rated behavior problems compared to children of women who stopped using early in pregnancy or who never used cocaine prenatally. These detrimental effects of PCE on behavior are consistent with other reports in the literature and with the hypothesis that PCE affects development through changes in neurotransmitter systems. These school-age behaviors may be precursors of later adolescent behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gale A Richardson
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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22
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Abstract
The purpose of this article was to review follow up studies of children with prenatal drug exposure from preschool through adolescence. Specifically, the authors focus on the effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine, methamphetamine, and opiates on behavior and development. The largest number of studies have examined cocaine-exposed children. The authors identified 42 studies that suggest that there are unique effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on 4- to 13-year-old children, particularly in the areas of behavior problems, attention, language, and cognition. In addition, studies make reasonable attempts to control for possible confounding factors. Systematic research on the long-term effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure is just beginning but seems to be showing similar effects to that of cocaine. The literature on the on the long-term effects of children with prenatal opiate exposure is more substantial than the methamphetamine literature but it is still relatively sparse and surprising in that there is little recent work. Thus, there are no studies on the current concerns with opiates used for prescription mediation. There is a growing literature using neuroimaging techniques to study the effects of prenatal drug exposure that holds promise for understanding brain/behavior relationships. In addition to pharmacological and teratogenic effects, drugs can also be viewed from a prenatal stressor model. The author discuss this "fetal origins" approach that involves fetal programming and the neuroendocrine system and the potential implications for adolescent brain and behavioral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Lester
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
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23
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Ackerman JP, Riggins T, Black MM. A review of the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure among school-aged children. Pediatrics 2010; 125:554-65. [PMID: 20142293 PMCID: PMC3150504 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-0637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Studies through 6 years have shown no long-term direct effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on children's physical growth, developmental test scores, or language outcomes. Little is known about the effects of PCE among school-aged children aged 6 years and older. OBJECTIVE We reviewed articles from studies that examined the effects of PCE on growth, cognitive ability, academic functioning, and brain structure and function among school-aged children. METHODS Articles were obtained by searching PubMed, Medline, TOXNET, and PsycInfo databases from January 1980 to December 2008 with the terms "prenatal cocaine exposure," "cocaine," "drug exposure," "substance exposure," "maternal drug use," "polysubstance," "children," "adolescent," "in utero," "pregnancy," "development," and "behavior." Criteria for inclusion were (1) empirical research on children aged 6 years and older prenatally exposed to cocaine, (2) peer-reviewed English-language journal, (3) comparison group, (4) longitudinal follow-up or historical prospective design, (5) masked assessment, (6) exclusion of subjects with serious medical disabilities, and (7) studies that reported nonredundant findings for samples used in multiple investigations. Thirty-two unique studies met the criteria. Each article was independently abstracted by 2 authors to obtain sample composition, methods of PCE assessment, study design, comparison groups, dependent variables, covariates, and results. RESULTS Associations between PCE and growth, cognitive ability, academic achievement, and language functioning were small and attenuated by environmental variables. PCE had significant negative associations with sustained attention and behavioral self-regulation, even with covariate control. Although emerging evidence suggests PCE-related alterations in brain structure and function, interpretation is limited by methodologic inconsistencies. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with findings among preschool-aged children, environmental variables play a key role in moderating and explaining the effects of PCE on school-aged children's functioning. After controlling for these effects, PCE-related impairments are reliably reported in sustained attention and behavioral self-regulation among school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Ackerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tracy Riggins
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maureen M. Black
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Hurt H, Betancourt LM, Malmud EK, Shera DM, Giannetta JM, Brodsky NL, Farah MJ. Children with and without gestational cocaine exposure: a neurocognitive systems analysis. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2009; 31:334-41. [PMID: 19686843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 08/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concern for effects of gestational cocaine exposure (GCE) on human neurocognitive (NC) development is based on effects of cocaine on blood flow to the fetus and impact of cocaine on developing monoaminergic systems. GCE has been shown to affect language, attention and perceptual reasoning skills. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate effects of GCE on 7 NC systems, assessed behaviorally in middle school-aged, low socioeconomic status subjects followed prospectively since birth. METHODS 55 GCE and 65 non-exposed Control subjects were tested with a battery of 14 tasks adapted from neuroimaging and lesion literature designed to tap 3 frontal systems (Cognitive Control, Working Memory, and Reward Processing) and 4 non-frontal systems (Language, Memory, Spatial Cognition, and Visual Cognition). Using multivariate analysis of covariance, we assessed the relation between NC functioning and GCE status with the following covariates: age at testing; gender; gestational exposure to cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana; foster care placement; caregiver current cocaine use; and two indices of childhood environment. RESULTS None of the analyses showed an effect of GCE on NC function. In contrast, child characteristics, including age at testing and childhood environment, were associated with NC function. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort there is either no effect of GCE on NC function at middle school age, or that effect is less pronounced than the effect of age or childhood environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallam Hurt
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to review recent research on the health consequences of illegal drug use and possible risk factors, with a particular focus on prospective evidence. RECENT FINDINGS Mortality studies have revealed qualitative and quantitative changes in causes of death among heroin and injecting drug users (IDUs), probably due to increasing exposure to harm reduction programs, the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the aging of drug users, and rising concurrent use of illegal drugs and prescription drugs. For morbidity, nonfatal overdose is still one of the most important concerns; likewise the higher prevalence of hepatitis C among non-IDUs and hepatitis A, B, C coinfection. Cannabis use has been consistently reported to be associated with the emergence of psychotic symptoms, yet that seems not to be the case for anxiety and depressive disorders. Use of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been linked with short-term negative effects on cognitive performance (i.e. visual memory). A series of longitudinal studies have shown enduring unfavorable effects of prenatal cocaine and marijuana exposure on children's physical, cognitive, and language development. SUMMARY Prospective evidence on illegal drug use in particular subpopulations may be needed to better understand health problems among users at different life stages and the possible long-term effects.
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Abstract
Pediatricians and other medical providers caring for children need to be aware of the dynamics in the significant relationship between substance abuse and child maltreatment. A caregiver's use and abuse of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs place the child at risk in multiple ways. Members of the medical community need to understand these risks because the medical community plays a unique and important role in identifying and caring for these children. Substance abuse includes the abuse of legal drugs as well as the use of illegal drugs. The abuse of legal substances may be just as detrimental to parental functioning as abuse of illicit substances. Many substance abusers are also polysubstance users and the compounded effect of the abuse of multiple substances may be difficult to measure. Often other interrelated social features, such as untreated mental illness, trauma history, and domestic violence, affect these families.
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Haas C, Karila L, Lowenstein W. Addiction à la cocaïne et au « crack » : un problème de santé publique qui s’aggrave. BULLETIN DE L ACADEMIE NATIONALE DE MEDECINE 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0001-4079(19)32535-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper reviews results from published, in press, and conference proceedings from 2007 and 2008 that link in-utero tobacco exposure to neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed offspring. RECENT FINDINGS Prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) affected speech processing, levels of irritability and hypertonicity, attention levels, ability to self-regulate, need to be handled, and response to novelty preference in infants. In early childhood, PTE effects were mostly behavioral outcomes including activity and inattention and externalizing behaviors, including conduct disorder and antisocial behavior. In adolescents, PTE predicted increased attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, modulation of the cerebral cortex and white matter structure, and nicotine addiction. Several studies found moderating effects with PTE and genetic susceptibilities including dopamine transporter, serotonergic synaptic function, and monomine oxidase pathways. Other studies suggested that environmental and genetic factors might be more important than the direct teratological effects of PTE. SUMMARY The majority of studies reviewed were prospective and tobacco exposure was quantified biologically. Most demonstrated a direct association between PTE and neurodevelopmental outcomes. More work is needed to examine multifactorial influences. Effects of PTE on the offspring appear to be moderated by genetic variability, neurobehavioral disinhibition, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie D Cornelius
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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29
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Levine TP, Liu J, Das A, Lester B, Lagasse L, Shankaran S, Bada HS, Bauer CR, Higgins R. Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on special education in school-aged children. Pediatrics 2008; 122:e83-91. [PMID: 18541617 PMCID: PMC2861352 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2007-2826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on special education at age 7 with adjustment for covariates. METHODS As part of the prospective, longitudinal, multisite study of children with prenatal cocaine exposure (Maternal Lifestyle Study), school records were reviewed for 943 children at 7 years to determine involvement in special education outcomes: (1) individualized education plan; (2) special education conditions; (3) support services; (4) special education classes; and (5) speech and language services. Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on these outcomes with environmental, maternal, and infant medical variables as covariates, as well as with and without low child IQ. RESULTS Complete data for each analysis model were available for 737 to 916 children. When controlling for covariates including low child IQ, prenatal cocaine exposure had a significant effect on individualized education plan. When low child IQ was not included in the model, prenatal cocaine exposure had a significant effect on support services. Male gender, low birth weight, white race, and low child IQ also predicted individualized education plan. Low birth weight and low child IQ were significant in all models. White race was also significant in speech and language services. Other covariate effects were model specific. When included in the models, low child IQ accounted for more of the variance and changed the significance of other covariates. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal cocaine exposure increased the likelihood of receiving an individualized education plan and support services, with adjustment for covariates. Low birth weight and low child IQ increased the likelihood of all outcomes. The finding that white children were more likely to get an individualized education plan and speech and language services could indicate a greater advantage in getting educational resources for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd P. Levine
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Abhik Das
- Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Barry Lester
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Linda Lagasse
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Seetha Shankaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Henrietta S. Bada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Charles R. Bauer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Rosemary Higgins
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland
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