Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

McLean C. The fetal alcohol crisis. Report Newsmagazine [Internet]. 2000. [cited 18 February 2016]; Available
from: http://fathersforlife.org/health/fas.htm

Devin Farmery, Rose Maclaurin, Katie Mulholland

Pathophysiology
Sites.google.com. Prenatal Brain Development [Internet]. 2016 [cited 19
February 2016]. Available from:
https://sites.google.com/a/glenbrook225.org/prenatal-brain-development/

Prenatal alcohol exposure has been shown to lead to

damage to glial cell development and function.

Alcohol exposure during a period of rapid astrocyte

proliferation and maturation can lead to
microencephaly due to reduced survival (esp. during
first two trimesters).

Delayed oligodendrocyte development and apoptosis

leading to altered myelination and white matter
integrity.

Induces microglial apoptosis given their importance in

synaptic pruning during development, this may explain
the abnormal neuroplasticity in FAD. Reduced
synaptogenesis.

Presentation
Facial dysmorphia (smooth philtrum, thin

vermillion border, small palpebral fissures)

Growth problems (height/weight below

average, small head circumference)

Brain abnormalities observable from

imaging

Adopt K. Fetal Alcohol

Syndrome and Fetal
Abnormalities [Internet].
Kidstoadopt.org. 2-16
[cited 18 February 2016].
Available from:
http://kidstoadopt.org/ad
optionresources/medicalconditions/about-fetalalcohol-syndrome/

Functional defects e.g. low IQ, motor

functioning delays, executive functioning

deficits, problems with attention or
hyperactivity, sensory problems, memory
deficits
Social and behavioural problems e.g. dont

follow instructions, difficulty controlling

emotions, trouble learning/remembering,

Symptomstreatment.org.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
[Internet]. 2016 [cited 19
February 2016]. Available
from:
http://symptomstreatme
nt.org/fetal-alcoholsyndrome/

Diagnostic Test
Specific diagnosis
requires 3
diagnostic cirteria of
facial abnormalities
(all 3), growth
deficits and CNS
abnormality
documentation

FAS cannot be diagnosed before

birth
No specific diagnostic test;

requires thorough assessment of

Occurrence of drinking by mother
during pregnancy
Physical appearance and
distinguishing features
Physical growth and development
Brain growth and development
Cognitive and language development
Health issues
Social and behaviour problems

Effects on life
Children may require more supervision,

stability, structure and consistency than

other children
Infants may require assistance with daily

life skills e.g. feeding, bathing

As adults may have difficulties with time

management, budgeting, personal

hygiene, social relationships and problem
solving. Many have assisted living and
supported housing.

Health-related issues & Child

development
Hearing & ear problems
Mouth, teeth & facial problems
Weak immune system
Epilepsy
Liver damage
Kidney & heart defects
Hormonal disorders

References
Wilhelm C, Guizzetti M. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An

Overview from the Glia Perspective. Frontiers in Integrative

Neuroscience. 2016;9.
Mayoclinic.org. Fetal alcohol syndrome Tests and Diagnosis Mayo

Clinic [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 February 2016]. Available from:

http://http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol
-syndrome/basics/tests-diagnosis/con20021015
Stokowski L. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Advances in Neonatal Care.

2004.
Adoptionuk.org. Living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

(FASD). [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 February 2016]. Available from:

http://www.adoptionuk.org/resources/article/living-foetal-alcohol-s
pectrum-disordersfasd