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Characteristics of children who have full or incomplete fetal alcohol syndrome

Valborg L Kvigne1, Gary R Leonardson, Martha Neff-Smith

  • 1Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service, PHS Indian Hospital, Rapid city, South Dakota, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

American Indian children with full or incomplete fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) experience significant health issues and higher hospitalization rates. Early identification and tailored services are crucial for addressing their complex needs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and intellectual disability.
  • American Indian populations may face unique challenges and higher prevalence rates of FAS.
  • Understanding the specific clinical features and healthcare needs of this demographic is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the clinical characteristics of American Indian children diagnosed with full or incomplete fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
  • To compare hospitalization rates and reasons for admission among children with full FAS, incomplete FAS, and controls.
  • To identify the health, learning, and social service requirements for affected children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case-control studies involving Northern Plains American Indian children diagnosed between 1981 and 1993.
  • Utilized ICD-9-CM code 760.71 for case identification.
  • Compared children with full FAS (n=43) and incomplete FAS (n=35) against a control group.

Main Results:

  • Children with FAS and incomplete FAS exhibited increased facial dysmorphology, growth deficits, CNS dysfunction, and muscular issues compared to controls.
  • Higher hospitalization rates were observed in FAS cases for otitis media, pneumonia, dehydration, and anemia.
  • FAS cases experienced longer hospital stays and were more frequently placed in foster care.

Conclusions:

  • Full and incomplete FAS present substantial health, developmental, and social challenges for American Indian children.
  • Healthcare providers and community programs must proactively identify and address the multifaceted needs of these children.
  • Optimized services are critical for improving outcomes and supporting affected individuals and families.
Abstract

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