Preparation for Child Psych PRITE and Boards
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Introduction

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an general term for different consequences of prenatal exposure to alcohol. The prevalence is about 1%. Specific syndromes of FASD include alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Pathophyisiology

  • Alcohol and acetaldehyde readily cross the placenta and can cause fetal demise and/or spontaneous abortion.
  • A surviving infant of an alcohol-abusing mother is likely develop some combination of neurodevelopmental and cognitive abnormalities, which are referred to as fetal alcoholism spectrum disorder (FASD).

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occurs in 5% of children of alcohol-abusing mothers.

  • The prevalence in US is about 0.1%

Individuals with FAS exhibit prenatal and postnatal growth retardation as well as functional and structural CNS abnormalities.

  • Many microcephaly, low birth weight, an atrial septal defect, and syndactyly.
  • Characteristic dyspmorphic features include mid-face hypoplasia, flat nasal bridge, an absent philtrum, small palpebral fissures, and an epicanthal eye fold.
  • Most children with FAS will have ADHD.
  • Learning disabilities, ODD, and seizures are common.

Cognitive impairment may be global (intellectual disability) or specific (math learning disability is common).