Citation

Amgalan A, Andescavage N, Limperopoulos C. Acta Paediatr. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/apa.15766

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

AIM: The main objective is to review the available evidence in the literature for developmental origins of neuropsychiatric diseases and their underlying mechanisms. We also probe emerging cutting-edge prenatal MR imaging tools and their future role in advancing our understanding the prenatal footprints of neuropsychiatric disorders. OBSERVATIONS: Both human and animal studies support early intrauterine origins of neuropsychiatric disease, particularly autism spectrum disorders, attention and hyperactivity disorders, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Specific mechanisms of intrauterine injury include infection, inflammation, hypoxia, hypo-perfusion, ischemia polysubstance use/abuse, maternal mental health and placental dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS: and Relevance: There is ample evidence to suggest developmental vulnerability of the fetal brain to intrauterine exposures that increases and individual's risk for neuropsychiatric disease, especially the risk of autism spectrum disorders, depression and anxiety. Elucidating the exact timing and mechanisms of injury can be difficult, and require novel, non-invasive approaches to the study emerging structural and functional brain development of the fetus. Clinical care should both emphasize maternal health during pregnancy, as well as close, continued monitoring for at risk offspring throughout young adulthood for the early identification and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Language: en

Keywords

advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Developmental origins; neuropsychiatric disease; prenatal