Carol Bower
Honorary Emeritus Fellow
MBBS MSc PhD FAFPHM DLSHTM FPHA
carol.bower@thekids.org.au
+61 8 6319 1813
Area of research expertise: Epidemiology of birth defects, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, neural tube defects
Carol has qualifications in medicine, epidemiology and public health. Her research has a strong focus on investigating causes and effects of birth defects, on translating research findings into public health policy and practice and on evaluating the effectiveness of that translation. Leading examples are the prevention of neural tube defects (promoting periconceptional folic acid supplement use and mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid) and research on prevention, diagnosis and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Other research using data linkage includes outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, medication use in pregnancy, birth defects in association with intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, and risk factors for and outcomes of several birth defects (eg trachea-oesophageal fistula, orofacial clefts, congenital heart defects).
Major current research projects are: FASD in juvenile justice; and the development of a national Centre of Research Excellence -Reducing the Effects of Antenatal Alcohol on Child Health - REAACH.
Carol is also Senior Principal Research Fellow at The Univeristy of Western Australia.
Projects
Precision pathways for young children at risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Early identification and adaptive intervention starting from the prenatal period
Talking, Hearing, Understanding, Knowing: A qualitative exploration of the experiences of justice-involved youth undergoing assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a juvenile detention centre
Working towards a shared framework in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders in Australia: A Gap Analysis
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the Australian Education System: Knowledge, attitudes, needs, and practices
FASD Hub Australia
August 2020
Recent changes in IVF clinical practice: data linkage to investigate their impact on fetal growth and birth defects
IDEA (Intellectual Disability Exploring Answers) Database
The IDEA database has information on all children born in Western Australia since 1983 who have been identified with an intellectual disability. IDEA is one of the only population-based resources in the world dedicated to intellectual disability. Information is accessed from the Department of Communities WA, the WA Department of Education, and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to create the database. From IDEA, it has been found that one in 50 children in Australia are diagnosed with intellectual disability. IDEA can be linked by Data Services WA with other datasets, to facilitate research into the determinants, outcomes and service needs of children and adults with intellectual disability.
Epidemiology of childhood diabetes in Western Australia
The objectives of this study are to study the epidemiology of childhood diabetes in Western Australia from 1985 onwards.
SeqNextGen: Translating NextGen Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Developmental Anomalies and Rare Diseases
Development and implementation of a person-centric Model of Care for people living with developmental anomalies and rare diseases in Western Australia.
National Case-Control Study of Childhood Brain Tumours
The Australian Study of Childhood Brain Tumours was a national case-control study into the risk factors for childhood brain tumours (CBT).
Australian Study of Causes of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Children
Analysing data collected between 2003 and 2007 in this national case-control study of the risk factors for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Published research
Evaluation of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Hub Australia website
To evaluate use and utility of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Hub Australia website.
Ovulation induction and subfertile untreated conception groups offer improved options for interpreting risks associated with ART
To identify and characterise appropriate comparison groups for population studies of health outcomes in ART-conceived births: ovulation induction (OI), subfertile untreated and fertile natural conceptions. Our secondary objective was to examine whether known risks of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes in ART births are elevated in comparison with subfertile (untreated and OI) conception groups.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men: A discussion to be had
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability of varying severity that occurs among individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) Australians, the effects of colonisation and ongoing racism could increase the risk of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Trends in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies in Western Australia between 1980 and 2020: A population-based study
Advances in screening and diagnostics have changed the way in which we identify and diagnose congenital anomalies.
Comprehensive Clinical Paediatric Assessment of Children and Adolescents Sentenced to Detention in Western Australia
To describe the comprehensive clinical paediatric assessment of a representative sample of children and adolescents (young people) sentenced to detention in Western Australia (WA) and participating in the first Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) prevalence study.
Intellectual disabilities and autism among children with congenital heart defects, Western Australia, 1983–2010
Children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) are at higher risk of developing an intellectual disability. However, severity of intellectual disabilities among this group of children are largely unknown. Our objective was to determine the risk of intellectual disability (ID), ID severity, and autism among children with CHDs.
Mandatory fortification with folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects: a case study of Australia and New Zealand
To present a case study of the considerations of mandatory fortification with folic acid in Australia and New Zealand.
Review of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a preventable, lifelong disability that disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the available information on FASD among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with reference to the limitations on population-based data and evaluated programs.
Community Priority setting for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research in Australia
Introduction Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). FASD research is a rapidly growing field that crosses multiple disciplines. To ensure research is relevant and meaningful for people living with FASD, their families, and the broader public there is a need to engage community members in setting priorities for research.
Literacy and Numeracy Underachievement in Boys and Girls With ADHD
Children with ADHD are disadvantaged from an early age in key areas of learning, and this risk increased with reduction in gestational age at birth
Maternal Alcohol-Use Disorder and Child Outcomes
The effects of maternal alcohol-use disorder are experienced by the majority of exposed children rather than a vulnerable subgroup of this population
Disability "In-Justice": Benefits and Challenges of "Yarning" With Young People Undergoing Diagnostic Assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Youth Detention
We report the findings from a qualitative study that took place alongside a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevalence study among detainees in Australia
Review of Aboriginal child health services in remote Western Australia identifies challenges and informs solution
We aimed to identify and map child health services in the very remote Fitzroy Valley, West Kimberley, and document barriers to effective service delivery
Hypospadias Prevalence and Trends in International Birth Defect Surveillance Systems, 1980–2010
We report on the prevalence and trends of hypospadias which indicate that the prevalence of hypospadias continues to increase internationally
Folate Status and Neural Tube Defects in Aboriginal Australians: The Success of Mandatory Fortification in Reducing a Health Disparity
Mandatory flour fortification with folic acid in 2009, led to further reductions in overall neural tube defects
Challenges in Accurately Assessing Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in a Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Youth Detention Center
Accurately assessing prenatal alcohol consumption is exceptionally challenging when assessed retrospectively as part of a FASD assessment for a young person sentenced to detention
A Comparison of the Motor Skills of Young People in a Youth Detention Centre with Diagnosed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Visual motor integration and handwriting skills were often impaired in this population of young people in a youth detention centre
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Impact of contemporary management strategies on perinatal outcomes
This study aims to review temporal changes in perinatal management and 1-year survival outcomes of cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Language diversity, language disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among youth sentenced to detention in Western Australia
Language diversity and the prevalence of language disorder associated with FASD among a representative sample of youth sentenced to detention in WA
Association between male genital anomalies and adult male reproductive disorders: a population-based data linkage study spanning more than 40 years
We provide new evidence to support current guidelines for orchidopexy before age 18 months to decrease the risk of future testicular cancer and infertility
Association between male genital anomalies and adult male reproductive disorders: a population-based data linkage study spanning more than 40 years
Undescended testes is associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer and male infertility, and decreased paternity
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices of the Western Australian youth custodial workforce
This study aims to establish the current knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices regarding FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments among youth custodial officers
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and youth justice: a prevalence study among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia
This study of young people in detention in Western Australia, has documented a high prevalence of FASD and severe neurodevelopmental impairment
MatCH (Mothers and their Children’s Health) Profile: offspring of the 1973-78 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
MatCH is an Australian study to investigate the links between the health, wellbeing and living conditions of mothers and the health and development of their children
Australian guide to the diagnosis of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A summary
The Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder has been developed, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health
Maternal alcohol use disorder and subsequent child protection contact: A record-linkage population cohort study
We examined the relationship between a maternal alcohol-use diagnosis, and the timing of diagnosis, and child protection outcomes in a Western Australian population cohort.
New Opportunities for Evidence in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Recent research, using objective 3-dimensional facial imaging, has found differences between the facial shape of individuals with FAS and the facial shape of individuals without FAS or with partial FAS
Maternal Alcohol Use Disorder and Risk of Child Contact with the Justice System in Western Australia: A Population Cohort Record Linkage Study
Children who were exposed to a maternal alcohol use disorder had significantly increased odds of contact with the justice system.
Maternal alcohol use disorder and subsequent child protection contact: A record-linkage population cohort study
We examined the relationship between a maternal alcohol-use diagnosis, and the timing of diagnosis, and child protection outcomes in a WA population cohort.
School absence and its effect on school performance for children born with orofacial clefts
We aimed to describe school absence and its relationship with school performance for children with and without orofacial clefts.
Maternal alcohol use disorder and child school attendance outcomes for non-Indigenous and Indigenous children in Western Australia: A population cohort record linkage study.
Maternal alcohol use disorder was associated with a significantly increased odds of poor school attendance for non-Indigenous and Indigenous children.
Prevalence and profile of Neurodevelopment and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) amongst Australian Aboriginal children living in remote communities
Early intervention services are needed to support developmentally vulnerable children in remote communities.
Maternal alcohol disorders and school achievement: a population cohort record linkage study in Western Australia
Children of mothers with alcohol use disorders are at risk of not meeting minimum educational benchmarks in numeracy and literacy, with the risk highest among Indigenous children.
Prevalence of microcephaly in an Australian population-based birth defects register, 1980-2015
We identified a high proportion of cases without known cause, highlighting the need for clinicians to carefully investigate all possibilities, including emerging infections.
Maltreatment risk among children with disabilities
Supports are needed for families with children with disabilities to assist in meeting the child's health and developmental needs, but also to support the parents in managing the often more complex parenting environment.
Twenty-five-year survival for aboriginal and caucasian children with congenital heart defects in Western Australia, 1980 to 2010
Long-term survival was lower for Aboriginal children with congenital heart defects
Maternal first trimester serum levels of free-beta human chorionic gonadotrophin and male genital anomalies
First trimester maternal levels of serum free-beta hCG are not associated with hypospadias or undescended testis
Study protocol for screening and diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia
This study aims to establish FASD prevalence among sentenced young people in detention in Western Australia (WA)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Using knowledge, attitudes and practice of justice professionals to support their educational needs
There was widespread agreement of the need for more information and training about FASD to optimise outcomes for people with FASD engaging with justice system
Folate status in Aboriginal people before and after mandatory fortification of flour for bread-making in Australia
The mandatory fortification of wheat flour for bread-making has increased folate status and reduced Neural Tube Defects in the Australian Aboriginal population
Hospitalisations up to adulthood for children born with orofacial clefts
The aim of this study was to compare hospital admissions from infancy to adulthood, between children born with orofacial clefts (OFC) and those without OFC.
Long-term survival for infants born with orofacial clefts in Western Australia
Parents with a child diagnosed with an OFC ± additional minor anomalies only can be reassured that the OFC does not influence survival rates in infancy
Age at surgery and outcomes of an undescended testis
We investigated the prevalence of UDT and examined rates of surgery and age at surgery in an Australian population.
Regular peaks and troughs in the Australian incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (2000–2011).
This study aimed to determine the incidence and incidence rate trends of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children aged 0–14 years...
Linked data research: a valuable tool in the ART field
This letter to the editor endorses data linkage studies and cites their potential value over other types of epidemiological studies within the field of...
Risk of cancer among children with birth defects: A novel approach
This novel approach aimed to prevent inflated hazard ratios arising from reverse causation, and allow identification of associations beyond those already...
Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in a population-based sample of children living in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project.
Aboriginal leaders concerned about high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy invited researchers to determine the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and...
Folate pathway gene polymorphisms and risk of childhood brain tumors: Results from an Australian case-control study
Recent research suggests that maternal folic acid supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of childhood brain tumors (CBT); polymorphisms in folate...
Childhood folate, B6, B12, and food group intake and the risk of childhood brain tumors: results from an Australian case–control study
In this case-control study of CBT, the possible associations of childhood intake of dietary and supplemental folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 with the...
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Notifications to the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies
There is increasing attention on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Australia, but there are limited data on their birth prevalence.
Oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula in Western Australia: Prevalence and trends
A recent international study reported a higher prevalence of oesophageal atresia with or without tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA±TOF) in Western Australia (WA).
Prevalence, repairs and complications of hypospadias: An Australian population-based study
To investigate hypospadias' prevalence and trends, rate of surgical repairs and post-repair complications in an Australian population.
Impact of prenatal screening and diagnostic testing on trends in Down syndrome births and terminations in Western Australia 1980 to 2013
To assess how prenatal screening and diagnostic testing have impacted the diagnosis, termination and birth prevalence of Down syndrome in Western Australia...
Folate pathway gene polymorphisms, maternal folic acid use, and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Several studies suggest that maternal folic acid supplementation before or during pregnancy protects against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Development of a scale to evaluate midwives' beliefs about assessing alcohol use during pregnancy
Prenatal alcohol exposure is an important modifiable cause of adverse fetal outcomes during and following pregnancy.
Midwives' knowledge, attitudes and practice about alcohol exposure and the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
There is a need for further professional development for midwives on screening and brief intervention regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy and FASD
Hospital costs of multiple-birth and singleton-birth children during the first 5 years of life and the role of assisted reproductive technology
The objective was to conduct a comprehensive economic and health services assessment of the frequency, duration, and cost of hospital admissions during the...
Contact with the juvenile justice system in children treated with stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
We aimed to investigate juvenile justice encounters in children with and without ADHD.
Comorbidities of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Pregnancy Risk Factors and Parent Mental Health
Our study examined the risk of maternal smoking and alcohol consumption in pregnancy associated with child comorbidity in a community sample of children...
Child Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Co morbidities on Family Stress: Effect of Medication
We examined the degree of parental and child mental health in a community sample of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and the...
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Development of consensus referral criteria for specialist diagnostic assessment in Australia
The use of standard methods to identify when to refer individuals who may have FASD for specialist assessment could help improve the identification of this...
Child health - How is Australia doing and what more do we need to do for our kids?
Australia really is a lucky country, but if we want future prosperity, then focusing on the health and wellbeing of our children is one of the most important...
A study of handling cytotoxic drugs and risk of birth defects in offspring of female veterinarians
This paper examined the association of occupational exposure to handling cytotoxic drugs at work with risk of birth defects among a cohort of female...
Spatial and temporal variation in type 1 diabetes incidence in Western Australia from 1991 to 2010: Increased risk at higher latitudes and over time
This study analysed spatial and historical variation in childhood incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among Western Australia's 36 Health Districts...
Maternal Dietary Intake of Folate and Vitamins B6 and B12 During Pregnancy and Risk of Childhood Brain Tumors
This Australia-wide study examines whether maternal intake of folate and vitamins B6 and B12 during pregnancy is associated with development of brain tumors...
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the risk of orofacial clefts in Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This paper evaluated the association between maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and the occurrence of cleft lip and palates in infants by...
Children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and their hospitalisations: population data linkage study
We conducted a population-based, record linkage study to examine the hospital admission risk in young children who are subsequently diagnosed with attention...
Impact of assisted reproductive technologies on intrauterine growth and birth defects in singletons
This paper presents data that infants born following assisted reproductive technologies (ART) compared with non-ART singletons display increases in low birth...
Morbidity due to acute lower respiratory infection in children with birth defects: A total population-based linked data study
Children with birth defects experience higher rates of hospitalisation for ALRIs before age 2 years than children with no birth defects.
Messages that increase women's intentions to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy
Public awareness-raising campaigns targeting alcohol use during pregnancy are an important part of preventing prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD.
Hospital utilization, costs and mortality rates during the first 5 years of life
Long-term physical and mental health outcomes of ART singletons are generally reassuring. There is a scarcity of information on health service utilization...
Maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risk of childhood type 1 diabetes in Western Australia
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and type 1 diabetes in the offspring, using complete...
Promoting abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy: Implications from formative research
This research developed messages to promote abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy and identified elements that enhance message persuasiveness.
Recommendations from a consensus development workshop on the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are underdiagnosed in Australia, and health professionals have endorsed the need for national guidelines for diagnosis.
Counting fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in australia: The evidence and the challenges
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term to describe a range of effects from prenatal alcohol exposure including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
Maternal Alcohol Use and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Infant Mortality Excluding SIDS
The highest risk of SIDS occurred when a maternal alcohol diagnosis was recorded during pregnancy or within 1 year postpregnancy.
Prenatal alcohol exposure and educational achievement in children aged 8-9 years
This study examines the relationships between the dose, pattern, and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and achievement in reading, writing, spelling,...
Involving consumers and the community in the development of a diagnostic instrument for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia
Australia's commitment to consumer and community participation in health and medical research has grown over the past decade.
Exploring the potential to use data linkage for investigating the relationship between birth defects and prenatal alcohol exposure
There was a significant association between maternal alcohol-related diagnoses recorded during pregnancy and ARBD, with an attributable fraction of 0.57%.
Assisted reproductive technology and birth defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis
It has been 10 years since we carried out a systematic search of the literature on birth defect risk in infants born following assisted reproductive...
Collaborating with consumers: the key to achieving statutory notification for birth defects and cerebral palsy in Western Australia
The Western Australian Birth Defects Registry and the Western Australian Cerebral Palsy Register used multiple sources of voluntary notification without...
Alcohol-use disorders during and within one year of pregnancy: A population-based cohort study 1985-2006
Given the severe risks to the fetus from heavy prenatal alcohol exposure, assessment and recording of alcohol use should be routinely undertaken in maternity...
Are women with major depression in pregnancy identifiable in population health data?
Although record linkage of routinely collected health datasets is a valuable research resource, most datasets are established for administrative purposes and...
Association between pre-eclampsia and locally derived traffic-related air pollution: A retrospective cohort study
Pre-eclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy and is a major cause of fetal maternal mortality and morbidity.
Baseline investigations of folate status in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal West Australians prior to the introduction of mandatory fortification
Our study aimed to establish baseline folate status data in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Western Australians.
Descriptive epidemiology of cleft lip and cleft palate in Western Australia
These data provide a picture of the prevalence of OFCs in WA since 1980, and provide a useful reference for OFC data in Australia and internationally.
Off-label use of ondansetron in pregnancy in Western Australia
There is an increasing trend to prescribe ondansetron although its safety for use in pregnancy has not been established.
Environmental Risk Factors by Gender Associated With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Our study investigates the maternal, pregnancy, and newborn risk factors by gender for children prescribed stimulant medication for treatment of ADHD in WA.
A modified Delphi study of screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia
The aim of this study was to identify health professionals' perceptions about screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Australia.
Prevention of neural tube defects with folate
A programme of monitoring mandatory fortification has been established in Australia.
Parental alcohol consumption and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and brain tumors (CBTs) are the leading cause of cancer death in...
Factors relating to pregnancy and birth and the risk of childhood brain tumors: Results from an Australian case-control study
Childhood brain tumors (CBT) are the leading cause of cancer death in children, yet their causes are largely known. This study investigated the association...
Neural tube defects in Australia and food fortification with folic acid
Promotion of periconceptional folic acid supplement use began in Australia following publication of randomised trials showing effectiveness.
Application of Population-Based Linked Data to the Study of Intellectual Disability and Autism
Data linkage is the bringing together of specific datasets from different sources using demographic information on individuals within a population.
Ethnic and gender differences in rates of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Western Australia over a 21 year period
The aim was to evaluate the incidence, sex distribution, ethnicity, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation and morbidity of all childhood-onset congenital...
Cyclical variation in the incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes in Western Australia (1985-2010)
The objective was to examine the incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes in Western Australia from 1985-2010.
Maternal Use of Folic Acid and Other Supplements and Risk of Childhood Brain Tumors
Interest in a possible protective effect of maternal vitamin use before or during pregnancy against childhood brain tumors (CBT) and other childhood cancers...
Locally derived traffic-related air pollution and fetal growth restriction: a retrospective cohort study
Fetal growth restriction has been inconsistently associated with maternal exposure to elevated levels of traffic-related air pollution.
Consensus diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia: A modified Delphi study
To evaluate health professionals' agreement with components of published diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in order to guide...
Assisted reproductive technology and major birth defects in Western australia
The object of this work was to estimate the prevalence of major birth defects diagnosed by 6 years of age in all births and terminations of pregnancy for...
Early morbidity and mortality following in utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
The early years of life have a profound effect on a child's developmental pathway.
Attitudes and behaviour predict women's intention to drink alcohol during pregnancy:
To explore women's alcohol consumption in pregnancy, and potential predictors of alcohol consumption in pregnancy.
Health professionals' perceptions about the adoption of existing guidelines for the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia
Despite the availability of five guidelines for the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), there is no national endorsement for their use in...
Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and increased risk of stillbirth
The objective was to investigate the association between heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and stillbirth.
Intellectual disability and other neuropsychiatric outcomes in high-risk children of mothers with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and unipolar major depression
We examined risk of intellectual disability and other neuropsychiatric outcomes in children of mothers with and without schizophrenia, bipolar or depression.
Heavy maternal alcohol consumption and cerebral palsy in the offspring
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between heavy maternal alcohol consumption and pre- peri- and postneonatally acquired cerebral palsy.
Guidelines for pregnancy: What's an acceptable risk, and how is the evidence (finally) shaping up?
This paper reviews the evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the risk from low and moderate levels of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Intellectual disability: Population-based estimates of the proportion attributable to maternal alcohol use disorder during pregnancy
The aim of this study was to examine the association between maternal alcohol use disorder and intellectual disability in children.
Seasonal variation in fetal growth: Accounting for sociodemographic, biological, and environmental exposures
We sought to investigate seasonal variation in fetal growth, accounting for important sociodemographic, biological, and environmental exposures.
Recording a history of alcohol use in pregnancy: an audit of knowledge, attitudes and practice at a child development service
To assess the effectiveness of alcohol documentation and to measure the practice of health practitioners in relation to asking about alcohol and pregnancy.
Paediatricians' knowledge, attitudes and practice following provision of educational resources about prevention
The study aims to provide paediatricians in Western Australia (WA) with educational resources about the prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal...
Commentary: Folate and neural tube defects-the influence of Smithells et al. on research and policy in the Antipodes
We wanted to embark on an epidemiological research project that would contribute new knowledge and, at the same time, might prove the value of the registry...
ART, birth defects and subfertility-what should prospective patients be told?
Clinicians who counsel prospective ART patients about birth defect risk should provide information about the overall risk of having a child with a birth defect
Changes in health professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practice following provision of educational resources
We provided health professionals in Western Australia (WA) with educational resources about prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol...
The relationship between MECP2 mutation type and health status and service use trajectories over time in a Rett syndrome population
This study aimed to investigate the trajectories over time of health status and health service use in Rett syndrome by mutation...
Researchers' experience with project management in health and medical research: Results from a post-project review
Project management is widely used to deliver projects on time, within budget and of defined quality
Collaborating with consumer and community representatives in health and medical research in Australia:
The objective of this tudy was to collaborate with consumer and community representatives in the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project from 2006-2008
Measuring use and cost of health sector and related care in a population of girls and young women with Rett syndrome
This study measured use and cost of health sector and related services in Rett syndrome and effects of socio-demographic, clinical severity and genetic factors
Autism and intellectual disability are differentially related to sociodemographic background at birth
We used population data on Western Australian singletons born from 1984 to 1999 (n = 398,353) to examine the sociodemographic characteristics of children...
A comparison of autism prevalence trends in Denmark and Western Australia
Prevalence statistics for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) vary widely across geographical boundaries. Some variation can be explained by diagnostic methods...
RE-AIM Evaluation of the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project: Educational Resources to Inform Health Professionals
The objective was to evaluate the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project that provided health professionals in Western Australia (WA) with educational resources
Maternal consumption of coffee and tea during pregnancy and risk of childhood ALL: results from an Australian case-control study
To investigate whether maternal coffee and/or tea consumption during the last 6 months of pregnancy was associated with risk of childhood ALL.
The impact of single gene and chromosomal disorders on hospital admissions of children and adolescents: A population-based study
It is well recognized that genetic disease makes a significant contribution to childhood illness. Here, we present recent population data describing...
Dispensing patterns and pregnancy outcomes for women dispensed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy
The purpose of this study was to investigate dispensing patterns and pregnancy outcomes for women dispensed an SSRI in pregnancy.
Measuring use and cost of health sector and related care in a population of girls and young women with Rett syndrome
This study measured use and cost of health sector and related services in Rett syndrome and effects of socio-demographic, clinical severity and genetic...
Maternal consumption of coffee and tea during pregnancy and risk of childhood ALL: Results from an Australian case-control study
The objective of this study was to investigate whether maternal coffee and/or tea consumption during the last 6 months of pregnancy was associated with risk...
Linking a pharmaceutical claims database with a birth defects registry to investigate birth defect rates of suspected teratogens
Data linkage of population administrative data is being investigated as a tool for pharmacovigilance in pregnancy in Australia.
A new method of prenatal alcohol classification accounting for dose, pattern and timing of exposure:
When examining the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal effects, the timing and intensity of exposure have been ignored in epidemiological st
Prenatal alcohol exposure and risk of birth defects
The goal was to examine the associations between dose, pattern, and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and birth defects.
Unpacking the complex nature of the autism epidemic
The etiology of autism spectrum disorders is unknown but there are claims of increasing prevalence in many countries.
Caudal dysgenesis and sirenomelia-single centre experience suggests common pathogenic basis
Abnormally formed lower limbs with varying degrees of fusion are the major feature of sirenomelia whereas maldeveloped lower limbs without fusion are found in a
Prevalence of neural tube defects in Australia prior to mandatory
To establish baseline prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) prior to mandatory folic acid fortification in Australia.
Health professionals addressing alcohol use with pregnant women in Western Australia
Health professionals have an important role to play in preventing prenatal alcohol exposure
Women's knowledge and attitudes regarding alcohol consumption in pregnancy: a national survey
Alcohol exposure in pregnancy is a common and modifiable risk factor for poor pregnancy and child outcomes.
How valid are the rates of Down syndrome internationally?
Rates of Down syndrome (DS) show considerable international variation, but a systematic assessment of this variation is lacking.
Maternal folate and other vitamin supplementation during pregnancy and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the offspring
The Australian Study of Causes of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children (Aus-ALL) was designed to test the hypothesis, raised by a previous Western Australia
International trends of Down syndrome 1993-2004: Births in relation to maternal age and terminations of pregnancies
The aim of this study was to examine trends of Down syndrome (DS) in relation to maternal age and termination of pregnancies (ToP) in 20 registries
Representativeness of child controls recruited by random digit dialling
Recruiting control subjects who are representative of the population from which the cases are drawn is a challenge in case-control studies
Association of pre-pregnancy weight and birth defects
Association of pre-pregnancy weight, birth defects
Age at diagnosis of birth defects
Many birth defects surveillance programs ascertain cases of birth defects diagnosed beyond 1 year of age.
Fortification of flour with folic acid
After randomized, controlled trials established that consumption of folic acid before pregnancy and during the early weeks of gestation reduces the risk...
Congenital anomalies - why bother
Congenital anomalies--why bother?
Unpacking the complex nature of the autism epidemic
This paper discusses changes in diagnostic criteria, decreasing age at diagnosis, improved case ascertainment, diagnostic substitution, and social influences.
Evidence of a complex association between dose, pattern and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and child behaviour problems
There is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of dose, pattern and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and behaviour problems in children aged 2 years.
Physical and mental health in mothers of children with Down syndrome.
Physical and mental health in mothers of children with Down syndrome.
The impact of having a sibling with an intellectual disability:parental perspectives in two disorders
This study describes the impact of having a sibling with Down syndrome or Rett syndrome using a questionnaire completed by parents.
Perinatal risk factors for childhood Type 1 diabetes in Western Australia - a population-based study (1980-2002)
To investigate perinatal risk factors for childhood Type 1 diabetes in Western Australia, using a complete population-based cohort.
Physical and mental health of mothers caring for a child with Rett syndrome
This study compared the behavior profile of cases in the Australian Rett Syndrome Database (ARSD) with those in a British study using the Rett Syndrome...
Predictors of seizure onset in Rett syndrome
Information on presence and age at onset of seizures, perinatal and developmental history, and genetic status was abstracted on 275 cases in the Australian...
Independent effects of socioeconomic status and place of residence on the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Western Australia
To analyze the incidence of type 1 diabetes in 0- to 14-year olds in Western Australia, from 1985 to 2002, by region and socioeconomic status.
Rett syndrome in Australia: a review of the epidemiology
To examine the prevalence, cumulative incidence, and survival in an Australian cohort with Rett syndrome (RTT).