An explanation for the association between specific language impairment and toxemia

An association between specific language impairment (SLI) and toxemia has been detected in several studies. No clear explanation for this association has been identified to date. However, a number of potential explanations have been offered. These include: (1) toxemia causes fetal anoxia which leads...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical hypotheses 2003-08, Vol.61 (2), p.223-228
Main Authors: Drane, D.L, Logemann, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brain - embryology
Brain - growth & development
Dyslexia - blood
Dyslexia - etiology
Fatty Acids, Nonesterified - blood
Female
Humans
Language Development Disorders - blood
Language Development Disorders - etiology
Male
Maternal-Fetal Exchange
Models, Biological
Pre-Eclampsia - blood
Pre-Eclampsia - complications
Pregnancy
Sex Characteristics
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Summary:An association between specific language impairment (SLI) and toxemia has been detected in several studies. No clear explanation for this association has been identified to date. However, a number of potential explanations have been offered. These include: (1) toxemia causes fetal anoxia which leads to brain damage; (2) toxemia in the mother is an indication of maternal immune attack on the developing brain; (3) the association between toxemia and SLI is indirect and arises because both are consequences of a common but as yet unknown etiological factor. In this paper we present a fourth possible explanation for the association. That is, that both SLI and toxemia may be the consequence of low circulating levels of essential fatty acids. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is presented and four possible mechanisms underlying the association are discussed.
ISSN:0306-9877
1532-2777
DOI:10.1016/S0306-9877(03)00145-2