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Open Access 01-03-2009 | Article

Functional magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from a comprehensive magnetic resonance study of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Authors: Susan J. Astley, Elizabeth H. Aylward, Heather Carmichael Olson, Kimberly Kerns, Allison Brooks, Truman E. Coggins, Julian Davies, Susan Dorn, Beth Gendler, Tracy Jirikowic, Paul Kraegel, Kenneth Maravilla, Todd Richards

Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

A comprehensive neuropsychological/psychiatric, MR imaging, (MRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI) assessment was administered to children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) to determine if global and/or focal abnormalities could be identified, and distinguish diagnostic subclassifications across the spectrum. The four study groups included: 1. FAS/Partial FAS; 2. Static Encephalopathy/Alcohol Exposed (SE/AE); 3. Neurobehavioral Disorder/Alcohol Exposed (ND/AE); and 4. healthy peers with no prenatal alcohol exposure. fMRI outcomes are reported here. The neuropsychological/psychiatric, MRI, and MRS outcomes are reported separately. fMRI was used to assess activation in seven brain regions during performance of N-back working memory tasks. Children across the full spectrum of FASD exhibited significant working memory deficits and altered activation patterns in brain regions that are known to be involved in working memory. These results demonstrate the potential research and diagnostic value of this non-invasive MR tool in the field of FASD.

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Title: Functional magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from a comprehensive magnetic resonance study of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Susan J. Astley
Elizabeth H. Aylward
Heather Carmichael Olson
Kimberly Kerns
Allison Brooks
Truman E. Coggins
Julian Davies
Susan Dorn
Beth Gendler
Tracy Jirikowic
Paul Kraegel
Kenneth Maravilla
Todd Richards
Publication date: 01-03-2009
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1866-1947
Electronic ISSN: 1866-1955
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11689-009-9004-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Functional magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from a comprehensive magnetic resonance study of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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