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Abstract:
Persistent effects of prenatal illicit stimulant drug
exposure on 5 to 7 year old children's development was assessed in
terms of novelty processing, cognitive function (McCarthy Scales of
Children's Ability), and electrophysiological function
(event-related potentials, ERPs). Novelty processing in infancy was
assessed using the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence, and
differences found between infants exposed prenatally to cocaine
and/or methamphetamines. Later, a subgroup of the same children
were assessed in terms of ERP components associated with novelty
processing and memory updating, overall cognitive index (McCarthy
GCI scores). Significant group differences were found between
exposed and non-exposed children. P3a and P3b components of ERPs
from exposed children showed decreased mean amplitude and increased
mean peak latencies, while components associated with early
processing, N1 and Nc, did not show group differences. VEPs in
infancy and school age showed no group differences. Novelty
processing differences appear to be consistent from infancy through
early childhood and are associated with lower cognitive scores in a
group of children considered to be at risk for later cognitive
difficulties. Because attention to novelty underlies many cognitive
skills, including learning and memory, these data warrant further
study.
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