Fetal alcohol syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a serious condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure, characterized by a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments. As a part of the broader Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), FAS is specifically marked by distinct facial anomalies, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system dysfunctions. Common symptoms include growth retardation, behavioral issues such as attention deficits and poor judgment, and a variety of physical abnormalities like underdeveloped ears and specific facial features.
First identified in 1973, FAS remains one of the leading preventable causes of developmental disabilities in the United States, affecting approximately 2-5% of young children. The condition is not inherited but is acquired due to maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which disrupts critical processes in fetal development. While there is no cure for FAS, prevention through education about the risks of alcohol during pregnancy is crucial. For those affected, ongoing support and therapeutic interventions can help manage the challenges associated with the disorder, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and lifelong care. Understanding the impact of alcohol on fetal development is vital for reducing the incidence of FAS and supporting affected individuals and families.
Fetal alcohol syndrome
ALSO KNOWN AS: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD), fetal alcohol effects (FAE)
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Brain, ears, eyes, hands, head, heart, mouth
DEFINITION: Prenatal alcohol exposure of the fetus, resulting in specific facial and central nervous system abnormalities, impairment of physical growth (especially linear growth), and other associated anomalies.
CAUSES: Alcohol consumption by mother during pregnancy
SYMPTOMS: Growth retardation, certain facial anomalies, central nervous system impairment, clumsiness, behavioral problems, brief attention span, poor judgment, impaired memory, diminished capacity to learn from experience
DURATION: Chronic
TREATMENTS: None; preventive measures during pregnancy
Causes and Symptoms
Fetal alcohol syndrome was first described in 1973 after recognition of a specific pattern of craniofacial, limb, and cardiac defects in unrelated infants born to alcoholic mothers. According to the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), about 2–5 percent of young children in the United States have fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcohol is a potent teratogen. Ethanol toxicity was initially suspected and has since been proven as the of this syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome is not genetically inherited but rather is an acquired syndrome.
Alcohol induces abnormalities in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis and is the leading cause of preventable developmental disabilities in the United States. These processes result in structural anomalies and (small head size). Attention deficit, hyperactivity, and behavioral and learning difficulties; planning difficulties; memory problems; receptive language skill deficits; and math and verbal processing difficulties are common with fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcohol also has lifelong negative effects on fine motor coordination and balance. Prenatal and postnatal growth is below the tenth percentile for age and ethnicity.
Additionally, prenatal alcohol exposure results in numerous problems and facial and limb anomalies. Distinguishing features include short palpebral (eyelid) fissures, a thin vermilion (upper edge of the lip), and a long, smooth philtrum (vertical groove in the upper lip). Underdeveloped ears, clinodactyly (curvature of the little fingers), camptodactyly (bent fingers that cannot straighten), “hockey stick” palmar creases, and cardiac defects are common.
There are three umbrellas under which a child can be diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (itself an umbrella term for children affected by alcohol in utero): fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Treatment and Therapy
Primary prevention is the optimal treatment. Programs to educate health care providers and the general public regarding the adverse effects of alcohol usage during may be effective in reducing the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome. For individuals with this disorder, lifelong therapy directed toward educational planning, including improving cognitive, motor, behavioral, and psychosocial skills, is warranted. In addition, medical care is required for various associated anomalies such as cardiac defects.
Perspective and Prospects
Alcohol exposure—as a fetus, adolescent, or adult—leads to an increased of further alcohol ingestion at other developmental stages. An interruption of this cycle is imperative to reduce the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome. Prevention of alcohol-affected pregnancies depends on developing and implementing evidence-based tools for fetal alcohol syndrome prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. There is no safe dose of alcohol during pregnancy, and current recommendations note that no alcohol should be ingested at and throughout gestation.
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