Neurobehavioral Development in Toddlers and Preschoolers in relation to prenatal exposure of mild analgesics: NeuroToP - a COPANA follow-up study
2024 -
Background
During fetal development, essential neurological and reproductive functions are established. Both organ systems rely on reproductive hormones for proper development. The gonads form during the first trimester and the neurological system continues to develop throughout pregnancy and childhood. Experimental studies strongly suggest that maternal use of mild analgesics e.g., paracetamol during pregnancy affect fetal gonadal development and can have severe behavioral repercussions such as autism, attention disorders and variations in gender-type cognitive and social traits.
Aims and Study Design
In the original COPANA cohort (2020-2022) 685 families (healthy mothers, fathers, and their newborns) were included. See more about the COPANA project here.
The primary objective of this follow-up study is to evaluate if analgesic exposure during fetal life affects neurodevelopmental health in male and female toddlers and preschool children.
Furthermore, we will assess the effect of prenatal exposure to other potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (e.g. fungicides and phthalates) on brain development.
The NeuroToP study invites the original 685 COPANA families for a follow-up at age 3-5 years. The follow-up consists of a clinical examination of the children and five electronic questionnaires designed and validated to evaluate neurological behavior. All questionnaires will be sent to the parents electronically. Based on the responses, we will assess the children’s language development, externalizing and internalizing behavior, general health, and gender typical behavior at 3 years of age. The clinical examinations will take place at the Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet at age 3-4 years, where also blood samples and urine samples will be collected. The clinical examination consists of anthropometrics, anogenital distance, ultrasound assessment of testicular volume and assessment of external genitalia.
The Research Team behind Neuro ToP
The team behind Neuro ToP consists of EDMaRC researchers Casper Hagen, Emilie Frederikke Zeuthen Norus, Margit Fischer, Gylli Mola, Anna-Maria Andersson, Hanne Frederiksen, Kristian Almstrup, Ida Dyhr and David Møbjerg Kristensen. Neuro ToP is partly founded by the EU R&D project MERLON.
Design of the original COPANA study
Design of the NeuroToP follow-up study
Key EDMaRC researchers in the project:
Casper Hagen (PI)
MD, PhD
Emilie F. Zeuthen Norus
MD, PhD-student
MD, PhD-student
Gylli Mola
MD, PhD-student
MDSc, Professor