ENEC Health Study

Emory University is conducting a research study to learn more about the early signs of health issues. We are looking for children between the ages of 3 and 17 to take part in the study.

We know that being exposed to alcohol during pregnancy (called prenatal alcohol exposure, or PAE) can cause problems with a child’s thinking, behavior and growth. But research now shows that PAE can also affect a child’s overall health in many ways, such as:

• Problems with seeing and hearing
• Issues with heart function
• Poor blood flow to the body
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual eating habits
• Mental health concerns
• Higher risk of health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and autoimmune diseases

Because PAE can affect many parts of a child’s health, it is important to learn when these problems begin. If we can find the signs early, doctors can treat these issues sooner and help prevent serious health problems later in life.

We are enrolling two groups:

1. Children who were exposed to alcohol before birth
2. Children who were not exposed to alcohol before birth

Children in the study will get a health check-up, a lab test to collect blood and saliva samples, and complete some activities. Parents will also fill out some questionnaires. The 1-2 visits will take place at our Emory University office, and participation will last about four hours. Families will be compensated for time and travel.