International Research

The Danish Medical Research Council -- Copenhagen, Denmark

While heavy alcohol use during pregnancy is known to result in facial abnormalities, growth retardation, and serious central nervous system deficits of the fetus, information on the levels of alcohol exposure that result in these disabilities is extremely limited. Information on the full range of central nervous system problems resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure is also lacking. CDC is partnering with the Danish Medical Research Council to explore these issues and specifically, to examine potential central nervous system vulnerabilities and deficits among children with varying levels of prenatal alcohol exposure in a population-based cohort of mothers and children.

This study will examine central nervous system development of children with varying levels of alcohol exposure identified through the Danish National Birth Cohort. The Danish National Birth Cohort is a population-based cohort study of mothers and their children in Denmark. Through a telephone survey, researchers obtained medical information (including alcohol use) from women enrolled in the study prior to pregnancy. Following these women through pregnancy and birth offers the opportunity to also follow their children, who may have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. Medical, behavioral, and intellectual information will be gathered from these children as they become five years old. A comparison group of children without alcohol exposure will also be examined.

Related Scientific Articles

Low to moderate alcohol intake during pregnancy and risk of psychomotor deficits
Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research; 2011; doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01657.x
Bay B, Støvring H, Wimberley T, Denny CH, Mortensen EL, Eriksen HL, Kesmodel US  
[Read Summary]

Moderate Alcohol Intake in Pregnancy and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion
Alcohol & Alcoholism; 2002; 37(1):87-92
Kesmodel U, Wisborg K, Olsen SF, Henriksen TB, Secher NJ.
[Read summary]