B4592 - Investigating the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure and musculoskeletal impairments - 15/04/2024

B number: 
B4592
Principal applicant name: 
Cheryl McQuire | University of Bristol, Centre for Public Health (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Gregory Allister, Dr Michael Daly, Dr Caroline Taylor , Dr Katherine Staines
Title of project: 
Investigating the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure and musculoskeletal impairments
Proposal summary: 

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) can lead to problems with learning and behaviour, as well as physical abnormalities including distinctive facial features and stunted growth. Existing studies have identified some associations between PAE and a wide variety of other abnormalities including various musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Studies on the MSK effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in mice have replicated this finding and found that males were more affected by PAE than females. This has yet to be studied in human participants. Our study seeks to estimate the association between PAE and MSK abnormalities among participants enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), and assess whether these effects differ between males and females.

Impact of research: 
We anticipate that this research will provide the first population-based estimate of the impact of PAE on MSK indicators and outcomes in a human sample.
Date proposal received: 
Friday, 12 April, 2024
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 15 April, 2024
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Bone disorders - arthritis, osteoporosis, Statistical methods, Bones (and joints)