Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
19:57

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Published on: August 5, 2017

Complexity of foetal alcohol or drug neuroimpairments

I Elgen1, S Bruaroy, L M Laegreid

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, Norway. irene.elgen@helse-bergen.no

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children exposed to street drugs during pregnancy (SDE) show increased neuroimpairments like ADHD, but remain physically healthy. This contrasts with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in a comparative study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prenatal exposure to street drugs (SDE) and alcohol (FASD) can impact child development.
  • Understanding the distinct outcomes of SDE versus FASD is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize children with SDE and compare their growth, health, and neurodevelopmental outcomes with those diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Main Methods:

  • An information program educated healthcare professionals on SDE and FAS/FASD identification.
  • Suspected cases were referred for neuropaediatric evaluation and categorized.
  • Comparative analysis of growth, somatic health, and neuroimpairments was performed.

Main Results:

  • 50 children diagnosed with SDE and 47 with FAS/FASD were identified.
  • SDE children had higher rates of neonatal abstinence symptoms but exhibited normal growth and somatic health.
  • Both SDE and FAS/FASD groups showed high prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Conclusions:

  • Children exposed to street drugs in utero are generally physically healthy but face elevated risks of neurodevelopmental issues, particularly ADHD.
  • Findings highlight the significant neurodevelopmental impact of prenatal substance exposure, necessitating early detection and support.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Quantification of Social Behavior in Adult Rats11:01

Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Quantification of Social Behavior in Adult Rats

Published on: December 14, 2014

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development15:27

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development

Published on: July 13, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine01:27

CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview01:21

Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview

When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...