Microtremors during a sustained concentration task from boys previously exposed to opiates in-utero

FRANÇAIS :
Dans le but d'évaluer un symptôme commun des enfants exposés à la drogue, les microvibrations musculaires, les vibrations de l'index au repos, étendu et soumis à un exercice nécessitant une concentration soutenue (index appuyé devant resté fixe), ont été mesurées chez 14 garçons de 7 à 12 ans exposés in utero aux opiacés, 13 non exposés mais de parents toxicomanes et 12 garçons "standarts". Les vibrations des enfants exposés in utero augmentent fur et à mesure (fatigue musculaire) lors de l'exercice de concentration. Les résultats suggèrent que les variables biologiques et environnementales (et la sensibilité des mesures) sont des données critiques, qui nécessitent une étude plus approfondie, dans la description des effets à long terme de la drogue résiduelle chez ces enfants.
ENGLISH :
14 boys who were exposed to opiates in-utero (drug-exposed) maintained their index finger in a static, weight-forced position while attempting to maintain a stylus at a fix point producing intentional microtremors. After 2.5 minutes, significant increases in tremor were recorded in a mean peak (6Hz) amplitude while accuracy of sustaining this response was significantly reduced. Age matched boys who were raised in an environment in which drugs were used but were not directly exposed in-utero (life-style group, 13) or a standard control group (12), did not show similar changes over time. Resting or postural-extended tremor did differ among groups. Alcohol, marihuana, or tobacco usage by the mother or birth weight of the child did not predict subsequent group differences in tremor. Both biological and environmental variables plus type and sensitivity of measurement used are critical elements for describing long-term, potential residual drug effects in children, especially as they relate to sustained attention. (Authors'abstract)