S74. Hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex as measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy and their relationships to neurobehavioral outcomes in children with FASD

Abstract

Introduction Children with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) have been found to have altered hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortical (PFC) as measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) relative to both typically developing children and those who have other neurobehavioral problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between indices of PFC functioning and the neurobehavioral outcomes in children with FASD and to determine if these relationships differed from other groups of children. Methods Levels of oxygenated (HBO) and deoxygenated (HBR) hemoglobin were assessed during a computer task designed to elicit arousal in children with a history of PAE ( n = 33) and children without PAE who were typically developing (Controls, n = 25) or had other neurobehavioral problems (Clinical Contrast group, n = 22). The task elicits emotional arousal by alternating positive (Win) and negative (Loss) arousal while playing a game. The linear relationships between neurobehavioral outcomes (behavioral problems and word generation skills) and the mean levels of HBO and HBR for each of the conditions were assessed for group differences using the Potthoff regression procedure, which allows for simultaneous and separate tests of regression intercepts and slopes across groups. Results Within the entire sample, indices of PFC activation were related to externalizing problem behaviors and word generation skills, a measure of executive functioning, but PFC activation in the lateral areas of the PFC differentiated children in the PAE group from both other groups. Specifically, slopes of the relationship between Left Lateral HBO levels and rule-breaking behavior were higher in children with PAE and slopes of the relationship between Lateral Left HBR levels and withdrawn/depression symptoms were more negative. Performance on a word generation task was differentially predicted by indices of Right Lateral PFC activation with children in the PAE group having more negative slopes in the linear relationships with HBR levels than both other groups. Conclusion Children with a history of PAE had unique characteristics in the relationships between the indices of PFC functioning and neurobehavioral problems that may be useful in differentiating alcohol-exposed children from typically developing children and those who have neurobehavioral problems not associated with PAE.