Project Description

Challenge

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which results from prenatal alcohol exposure, is the most common cause of neurodevelopmental impairments in the western world, with an estimated prevalence of 3-5% in Canada, and as high as 11% in some communities.

Diagnosing the disorder is time-consuming and costly — but early diagnosis of children at risk of developing FASD would allow for earlier interventions that could significantly reduce secondary FASD disabilities, and therefore improve their quality of life.

Project Summary

A team of KBHN researchers, led by Dr. Geoff Hicks, believes that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) leaves a footprint on gene expression, which can be detected later in life. In prior research cycles, the team has already been able to develop and establish a DNA methylation technique that can be used to test for the markers of PAE.

They will continue to build and test this technique, with the eventual aim of creating a tool that can identify at-risk infants and children in the early stages, and potentially inform more personalized forms of treatment. Early diagnosis followed by early clinical and health interventions can significantly mitigate secondary disabilities in affected children.

Result

The research team has formed a funding partnership with the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Board. It is also partnering with clinical testing services and community stakeholders that can help to make the tool have a real-world impact and help reduce stigma around FASD.

With the help of this research and diagnostic tool, early and more effective interventions can be applied, which will increase opportunities for people with FASD to live well, and to contribute to society positively.

Funding

Kids Brain Health Network – $150,000

Partners – $40,000

Team

Principal Investigator

Dr. Geoff Hicks

Co-Principal Investigators 

Brenda Elias, University of Manitoba
Paul Pavlidis, University of British Columbia
Michael Kobor, University of British Columbia
Ana Hanlon-Dearman, Manitoba FASD Centre

Collaborators

Pingzhao Hu, University of Manitoba
Gary Munro, Cree National Tribal Health Centre

Partners

Manitoba FASD Centre
Cree Nation Tribal Health Centre
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries

Subsequent Cycle III Initiatives

Early Identification of Infants and Children with FASD