Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is considered a spectrum of disorders that includes FASD with and without sentinel facial features, fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, and alcohol-related birth defects.
Caused by fetal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy (prenatal alcohol exposure).
Early diagnosis may prevent secondary disabilities, but many clinicians are unaware of, or are confused by, existing diagnostic criteria and terminology.
Management involves identifying and working with a child's specific strengths and needs; however, there is a paucity of evidence for efficacy of specific treatments.
Prevention is a priority, as brain injury sustained in utero is permanent and is associated with severe physical, behavioral, learning, and mental health problems.

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History & Exam
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

Jones KL, Smith DW. Recognition of the fetal alcohol syndrome in early infancy. Lancet. 1973 Nov 3;302(7836):999-1001.[Abstract]
Carson G, Cox LV, Crane J, et al.; Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Alcohol use and pregnancy consensus clinical guidelines. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2010 Aug;32(8 suppl 3):S1-31.[Abstract]
Astley SJ. Diagnostic guide for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: the 4-digit diagnostic code. 3rd ed. Seattle, WA: University of Washington; 2004.[Full Text]
Cook JL, Green CR, Lilley CM, et al. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan. CMAJ. 2016 Feb 16;188(3):191-7.[Abstract][Full Text]
Streissguth AP, Bookstein FL, Barr HM, et al. Risk factors for adverse life outcomes in fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004 Aug;25(4):228-38.[Abstract]
Koren G, Sarkar M, Rosenbaum C, et al. The maternal drinking history guide: development of a national educational tool. J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2013;20(1):e42-3.[Abstract]
Sarkar M, Burnett M, Carriere S, et al. Screening and recording of alcohol use among women of child-bearing age and pregnant women. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Winter;16(1):e242-63.[Abstract]

Other Online Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)
FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network: lip-philtrum guides
FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network: FAS facial software
FAS World
SAMHSA Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Center for Excellence
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FASD Hub Australia
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Referenced Articles

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