This research proposes to extend the successful work already completed in quantifying the neuroanatomic abnormalities underlying neuropsychological deficits among people with brain damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Although Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a distinct diagnostic entity, it conceals substantial variability of deficits. Many individuals with substantial prenatal alcohol exposure exhibit dysfunctional behaviors that appear to be CNS-based, but do not have facial manifestations of FAS. These features are sometimes referred to as possible fetal alcohol effects (FAE). In prior work, we developed and demonstrated a new method of shape analysis targeting the corpus callosum (CC) that was above 80% accurate in separating FAS/FAE from controls, using a symmetrical four-quadrant data set of male and female adolescents and adults across three diagnostic groups: FAS, FAE, and age/sex matched non-exposed controls. Using newly developed methods, we now propose to reanalyze these magnetic resonance images for additional brain structures, targeting the cerebellum, and to compare these images with the full battery of neuropsychological tests obtained on our 180 subjects. We hypothesize that these new image analyses will reveal significant differences in mean or variance of brain form between FAS/FAE and controls, that FAS and FAE will not differ from each other, and that distinct profiles of association will be observed between neuroanatomy and neuropsychology. Over three years, we will pursue four aims: (1.) To quantify new morphological data from existing magnetic resonance images, to examine additional curves and shapes on and near the cerebellum that will be combined with CC and gray/white matter volumes in detecting FAS/FAE; (2.) To examine the behavioral phenotype of FAS/FAE, using already collected data augmented with new scores from existing data, to study the other three quadrants of subjects for profiles of Executive Function and Motor Function deficits that were related to different CC shape anomalies in adult males; (3.) To conclude the full four-quadrant neuroanatomic/neuropsychologic analysis, using the new data on cerebellar shape and size combined with the augmented behavioral phenotype data; (4.) To develop a data-driven diagnostic protocol based on the principles already demonstrated and utilizing entire data sets from both imaging and behavior. This will be the first systematic study to move directly from state-of-the-art image analysis techniques and neuropsychological testing, to a diagnostic protocol with practical utility, filling a compelling need for diagnosing fetal alcohol brain damage in adolescents and adults and in the absence of the typical facial characteristics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01AA010836-06A2
Application #
6612431
Study Section
Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes 3 (BBBP)
Program Officer
Silverman, Peter
Project Start
1996-08-01
Project End
2006-04-30
Budget Start
2003-05-01
Budget End
2004-04-30
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$306,088
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
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