Effects of early prenatal dexamethasone on the cognitive and behavioral development of young children: results of a pilot study.
The effect of early prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) exposure on cognitive and behavioral development, behavior problems, and temperament were examined in 26 consecutively identified children aged 6 mo to 5 1/2 years, whose mothers had been DEX-treated during pregnancy because their offspring was at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and compared with 14 children from untreated CAH-risk pregnancies. Three children in each group were CAH-affected. Assessments were performed by way of mother-completed standard questionnaires. No significant differences in cognitive abilities or behavior problems were identified. On temperament questionnaires, DEX-exposed children showed more Shyness (p < .004), greater Emotionality (p < .03), less Sociability (p < .04), and a trend for greater Avoiddance (p < .07) than unexposed children. DEX-exposed children also had significantly higher Internalizing (p < .002) and Total Problem scores (p < .05) on the behavior problem measure for 2-3 year olds. The results should be considered preliminary until they have been replicated by the study of a larger sample and direct examination of the children.
Trautman
P D
PD
Department of Psychiatry, Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Meyer-Bahlburg
H F
HF
Postelnek
J
J
New
M I
MI
D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003907:Dexamethasone