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Smaller subcortical volumes and cognitive deficits in children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure.
- Source :
-
Psychiatry research [Psychiatry Res] 2004 Dec 15; Vol. 132 (2), pp. 95-106. - Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- The purpose of this pilot study was to examine possible neurotoxic effects of prenatal methamphetamine (Meth) exposure on the developing brain and on cognition. Meth-exposed children (n=13) and unexposed control subjects (n=15) were evaluated with MRI. Global brain volumes and regional brain structures were quantified. Ten Meth-exposed and nine unexposed children also completed neurocognitive assessments. Meth-exposed children scored lower on measures of visual motor integration, attention, verbal memory and long-term spatial memory. There were no differences among the groups in motor skills, short delay spatial memory or measures of non-verbal intelligence. Despite comparable whole brain volumes in each group, the Meth-exposed children had smaller putamen bilaterally (-17.7%), smaller globus pallidus (left: -27%, right: 30%), smaller hippocampus volumes (left: -19%, right: -20%) and a trend for a smaller caudate bilaterally (-13%). The reduction in these brain structures correlated with poorer performance on sustained attention and delayed verbal memory. No group differences in volumes were noted in the thalamus, midbrain or the cerebellum. In summary, compared with the control group, children exposed to Meth prenatally exhibit smaller subcortical volumes and associated neurocognitive deficits. These preliminary findings suggest prenatal Meth exposure may be neurotoxic to the developing brain.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Child
Child, Preschool
Cognition Disorders diagnosis
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Maternal Behavior psychology
Neuropsychological Tests
Pregnancy
Severity of Illness Index
Substance-Related Disorders
Brain abnormalities
Central Nervous System Stimulants
Cognition Disorders etiology
Methamphetamine
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0165-1781
- Volume :
- 132
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Psychiatry research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 15598544
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2004.06.004