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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
Assessing Teratogenic Changes in a Zebrafish Model of Fetal Alcohol Exposure
Published on: March 20, 2012
Insights
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can cause severe growth and developmental deficits from birth. This case highlights persistent postnatal growth failure and additional characteristic stigmata in a child born to an alcoholic mother.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Teratology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a leading cause of preventable birth defects.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a spectrum of disorders characterized by physical, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in a neonate born to a mother with a history of alcoholism.
- To document the prenatal and postnatal growth and developmental deficits observed in the affected child.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and assessment of a neonate diagnosed with FAS.
- Longitudinal monitoring of growth parameters and developmental milestones up to 2.5 years of age.
Main Results:
- The neonate presented with significant intrauterine growth restriction, weighing less than 1.5 kg at birth despite being postterm.
- The child exhibited persistent failure to thrive and developmental delays postnatally.
- Additional characteristic stigmata of FAS were observed, expanding the known clinical manifestations.
Conclusions:
- This case underscores the severe and lasting impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal development.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing growth and developmental challenges in children with FAS.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the spectrum of FAS and its long-term consequences.
Abstract:
A boy born to a known alcoholic mother demonstrated the fetal alcohol syndrome. Although considerably postterm, he weighed less than 1.5 kg (3 lb) at birth and has failed to catch up at 2 1/2 years of age. In addition to continuing prenatal and postnatal growth and developmental deficits, he has many of the other stigmata described as characteristic of this syndrome. To this list have been added other findings from our case.
