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Abstract:
This study investigated whether prenatal exposure to
non-opiate drugs (i.e., cocaine and methamphetamine) was associated
with deleterious effects on childrenís neural function, as
measured by ERPs. Children identified at birth as having been
exposed to non-opiate drugs but with normal APGAR scores and no
withdrawal symptoms or other medical complications were evaluated
at ages 5 to 7 years as part of a longitudinal study at UC Davis
Medical Center. Age-matched controls with no prenatal drug exposure
were recruited from UCDMC clinics and surrounding communities. ERPs
were recorded at 13 scalp sites (using an Electro-cap with 10-20
placement) during a visual 'oddball + novelty' task. At all sites,
amplitudes of N1(50-200 ms) and Nc (250-500 ms) showed no
significant differences between the groups. Amplitudes of both P3a
to novel stimuli (maximal at Fz, 700-1100 ms), and P3b to target
stimuli (maximal at Cz, 500-900 ms), were significantly reduced in
the exposed children. Onsets for these ERPs were the same in both
groups. VEPís to reversing checker-board patterns (at 12
months of age) showed no significant differences between the
groups.
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