Defining Neurodevelopmental Domains in Children with Prenatal Solvent Exposure

Abstract

Organic solvents are inexpensive and commonly available substances of abuse that are found in accessible items such as spray paint, lacquer and glues, and which are often abused by young people in poverty. Solvents are highly lipophilic and can cross the plancenta resulting in fetal exposure. Case reports have suggested that children exposed in utero to solvents have developmental and/or physical features similar to those seen in children with a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This study will describe in detail the developmental and behavioral profile of children with prenatal solvent exposure. The student will use the database at the Manitoba FASD Centre and conduct a retrospective quantitative and qualitative chart review. The objective was to complete a chart review on a large clinical cohort of solvent exposed children with regards to dysmorphology, medical comorbidity and neurodevelopmental characteristics.