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Para‐limbic Structural Abnormalities Are Associated With Internalizing Symptoms in Children With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Author(s) -
Krueger Alyssa M.,
Roediger Donovan J.,
Mueller Bryon A.,
Boys Christopher A.,
Hendrickson Timothy J.,
Schumacher Mariah J.,
Mattson Sarah N.,
Jones Kenneth L.,
Riley Edward P.,
Lim Kelvin O.,
Wozniak Jeffrey R.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/acer.14390
Subject(s) - limbic system , anxiety , depression (economics) , hippocampus , putamen , brain size , psychology , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , amygdala , physiology , psychiatry , central nervous system , radiology , economics , macroeconomics
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with a variety of structural abnormalities in the brain, including several within the para‐limbic system. Children with PAE have higher rates of internalizing disorders, including depression and anxiety, which may be related to underlying limbic system anomalies. Methods Children aged 8 to 16 with PAE ( n = 41) or without PAE ( n = 36) underwent an magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and parents completed behavioral questionnaires about their children. Semi‐automated procedures (FreeSurfer) were used to derive para‐limbic volumes from T1‐weighted anatomical images. Results There were significant group differences (PAE vs. nonexposed controls) in the caudate, hippocampus, and the putamen; children with PAE had smaller volumes in these regions even after controlling for total intracranial volume. A trend‐level association was seen between caudate volume and internalizing symptoms in children with PAE; smaller caudate volumes (presumably reflecting less optimal neurodevelopment) were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in these children. Conclusions Caudate structure may be disproportionately affected by PAE and may be associated with the later development of internalizing symptoms in those affected by PAE.