Brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in children exposed to methamphetamine in utero

Objective: To examine the possible neurotoxic effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on the developing brain using H-1-MRS. Methods: Methamphetamine-exposed children (n = 12) and age-matched unexposed control subjects (n = 14) were evaluated with MRI, localized H-1-MRS, and a Child Behavior Checklist. Metabolite concentrations of N-acetyl-containing compounds (NA), total creatine (Cr), choline-containing compounds, myoinositol, and glutamate + glutamine were measured in the frontal white matter and striatum. Results: Despite an absence of visible structural abnormalities in either group, children exposed to methamphetamine in utero had higher [Cr] (+10%, p = 0.02) in the striatum, [NA], primarily a measure of N-acetylaspartate was normal in both regions, which suggests no significant neuronal loss or damage in the two brain regions examined. There were no differences in reported behavior problems among the methamphetamine-exposed children relative to the unexposed group. Conclusions: The authors found increased [Cr] in the striatum with relatively normal [NA] in children exposed to methamphetamine. These findings suggest an abnormality in energy metabolism in the brains of children exposed to methamphetamine in utero.