MAJOR FEATURES OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS)

Subject - Danger: Drinking During Pregnancy

MAJOR FEATURES OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS)
1. Retarded growth and performance post-natally is a standout feature of this syndrome.
      a) Microencephaly - a smaller brain (91%)
      b) developmental delay or mental deficiency (100%) - occurs in all
          infants.  IQ's are 35-40 points below normal.
      c) impaired fine motor function (80%)

2. Craniofacial abnormalities
      a) short palpebral fissures (100%) - eyes are close together and small
      b) Epicanthal folds (36%) - small eyes; eyes are a reflection of the brain
      c) micrognathia (27%) - small teeth

3. Limb abnormalities (73%)
4. Other abnormalities
      a) cardiac (70%)
      b) external genitalia (36%)
      c) capillary (36%)

FAS is the third leading cause of birth defects associated with mental retardation in the U.S. The first trimester is thought to be the critical period for morphological problems while the 3rd trimester is critical for brain effects and mental retardation.

*******************************************************************************************

ICEA Review (Aug, 2009):

"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is defined as a specific set of severe physical symptoms and mental defects caused by alcohol damage to the developing fetus. It is estimated that one in every six hundred births may be affected by FAS.

A diagnosis of FAS should be made only when the infant shows a sign from of the following three categories:

"Prenatal and/or post-natal growth retardation is defined as an infant of low birth weight and size, with no catching up later even if the baby is then well nourished.

"Facial malformations include small, widely spaced eyes; short upturned nose with a wide, flat bridge; flat cheeks; narrow upper lip lacking a vertical groove (philtrum); blunt small chin that may appear large and pointed as the child grows older.

"Central nervous system involvement is characterized by an abnormally small head and brain (microcephaly), mild to moderate retardation, hyperactivity, poor coordination, and learning disabilities"

Because alcohol is a teratogen [cancer-causer] that appears to have a wide spectrum of effects, a second category of defects, Fetal Alcohol Effects, have been defined. Approximately one in three hundred births may be affected by FAE. An infant exhibiting FAE may have some of the above congenital malformations.  In addition, these symptoms may be present:

"Functional disturbances including abnormal sleep patterns and abnormally high levels of activity (hyperactivity).

"Learning disabilities including mental retardation which cannot be corrected by early or later intervention; inability to concentrate; behavior problems related to hyperactivity; speech and language problems.

"Organ abnormalities including heart and kidney defects.

"Alcohol consumption during pregnancy brings a specific set of relative risks. Studies indicate the pregnant woman who is abusing alcohol is at greater risk for spontaneous abortion, neonatal depression, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, anomolies and fetal alcohol syndrome.  Pregnant women who are chronic abusers run a one in two risk of giving birth to a baby with some abnormality."

-Dr. Robert L. Stevens, CDC-Atlanta [1975-2009] { b. 1938, d. 2009}

Please do not consume alcohol while pregnant with a child.  -Birdy