@article{22729,
  keywords = {Female, Humans, Male, Cohort Studies, Australia, Pregnancy, Child, Outcome Assessment (Health Care), Oceanic Ancestry Group, Community Health Planning, Exercise Test, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Nervous System Diseases, Neurologic Examination, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects, Statistics, Nonparametric},
  author = {Latimer Jane and Lucas Barbara and Fitzpatrick James and Doney Robyn and Watkins Rochelle and Tsang Tracey and Jirikowic Tracy and Olson Heather and Oscar June and Carter Maureen and Elliott Elizabeth},
  title = {Soft neurological signs and prenatal alcohol exposure: a population-based study in remote Australia.},
  abstract = {<p>
<b>AIM: </b>To identify soft neurological signs (SNS) in a population-based study of children living in remote Aboriginal communities in the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia, born between 2002 and 2003 and explore the relationship between SNS, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
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<b>METHOD: </b>The presence of SNS was assessed using the Quick Neurological Screening Test, 2nd edition (QNST-2), which has a total maximum score of 140. Higher scores indicated more SNS. 'Severe discrepancy' was defined as scores less than or equal to the fifth centile while 'moderate discrepancy' represented scores from the sixth to the 24th centile. Children were assigned FASD diagnoses using modified Canadian FASD diagnostic guidelines.
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<p>
<b>RESULTS: </b>A total of 108 of 134 (80.6%) eligible children (mean age 8y 9mo, SD=6mo, 53% male) were assessed. The median QNST-2 Total Score for all participants was within the normal category (19.0, range 4-66). However, the median QNST-2 Total Score was higher in children with than without (1) PAE (r=0.2, p=0.045) and (2) FASD (r=0.3, p=0.004). Half (8/16) of children scoring 'moderate discrepancy' and all (2/2) children scoring 'severe discrepancy' had at least three domains of central nervous system impairment.
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<p>
<b>INTERPRETATION: </b>SNS were more common in children with PAE or FASD, consistent with the known neurotoxic effect of PAE. The QNST-2 is a useful screen for subtle neurological dysfunction indicating the need for more comprehensive assessment in children with PAE or FASD.
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},
  year = {2016},
  journal = {Dev Med Child Neurol},
  volume = {58},
  pages = {861-7},
  issn = {1469-8749},
  doi = {10.1111/dmcn.13071},
  language = {eng},
}