FETAL NEUROBEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT & POSTNATAL CONTINUITY

最近的技术进步使人们有机会了解 胎儿的行为和生理功能。然而，预测 正常胎儿和高危胎儿的中枢神经系统损害 从产前事件中得出的结论仍然是虚幻的。许多形式的微妙本质 胎儿损害的风险需要开发检测方法 胎儿神经行为功能。这项研究的目标是 建立胎儿发育评估方法。进阶 将使用数据收集方法来量化胎儿的成分 通过使用实时超声检查和 心电地形图。这些参数包括胎儿状态组织， 运动和自主神经(即心脏)功能。有两项研究是 建议研究正常和健康人的发育个体发育 高危胎儿，以及从产前到出生的功能连续性 出生后的生活。胎儿的行为和生理测量将是 在基线条件下进行评估，并对环境做出响应 刺激物。研究1旨在提供描述性信息 25例受试者胎儿正常发育监测 纵向上从20周GA到学期每月间隔一次。数据 关于母体压力、胎儿心率和变异性、呼吸 振动声刺激的运动、状态、运动性和反应性 将在每次评估时收集。研究2将收集相同的数据 孕期三个时间点(24周、30周和36周)的两种风险数据 组：糖尿病母亲的胎儿和发育迟缓的胎儿。数据 另一组正常胎儿将被收集，并一起 结合研究1的数据，提供规范性参考。神经行为 将实施对新生儿的评估，以评估在 神经功能和个体结果差异的可预测性 在团体内部。7个月后的随访将检查关联 胎儿功能和随后的发育/认知之间的关系 婴儿期早期的结局。这项研究计划将提供独特的 与胎儿评估的临床应用相关的数据，以及 发展心理学的基本结构。

Recent technological advances have permitted a window into the behavioral and physiological functioning of the fetus. Yet, prediction of central nervous system compromise in both normal and at-risk fetuses from antenatal events remains illusive. The subtle nature of many forms of fetal compromise require development of detection methods which index fetal neurobehavioral functioning. The goal of this research is to establish methods of developmental assessment of the fetus. Advanced methods of data collection will be used to quantify components of fetal development through the use of real-time ultrasonography and cardiotocography. These parameters include fetal state organization, motility, and autonomic (i.e., cardiac) functioning. Two studies are proposed to investigate the ontogeny of development in normal and at-risk fetuses, and the continuity of function from prenatal to postnatal life. Fetal behavioral and physiological measures will be evaluated during baseline conditions, and in response to environmental stimuli. Study 1 is designed to provide descriptive information concerning normal fetal development in 25 subjects monitored longitudinally at monthly intervals from 20 weeks GA through term. Data concerning maternal stress, fetal heart rate and variability, breathing movements, state, motility, and reactivity to vibroacoustic stimulation will be collected at each assessment. Study 2 will collect the same data at three points in gestation (24, 30, and 36 weeks) from two risk groups: fetuses of diabetic mothers, and growth retarded fetuses. Data on an additional group of normal fetuses will be collected, and together with data from Study 1, provide normative reference. Neurobehavioral assessment of the neonate will be implemented to evaluate continuity in neural function, and predictability of individual differences in outcome within groups. A follow-up at 7-months will examine associations between fetal functioning and subsequent developmental/ cognitive outcome in-early infancy. This research program will provide unique data relevant to both clinical application of fetal assessment, and to basic constructs underlying developmental psychology.