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[Vertebral involvement and fetal alcohol syndrome]
M de Cornulier1, F de Lacour, H Avet-Loiseau
1Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier régional et universitaire de Nantes, France.
Pediatrie
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause vertebral abnormalities in children, including scoliosis and neural tube defects. Complex cervical spine malformations may also occur, suggesting alcohol
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Teratology
- Developmental Biology
Context:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a leading preventable cause of birth defects.
- Vertebral anomalies are recognized features of FAS, but their spectrum and pathogenesis require further elucidation.
- This study focuses on a cohort of children diagnosed with FAS and presenting with spinal malformations.
Purpose:
- To describe and discuss the types of vertebral abnormalities observed in children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
- To investigate the potential direct role of prenatal alcohol exposure in the development of these spinal defects.
- To differentiate complex cervical spine malformations in FAS from known syndromes like Klippel-Feil.
Summary:
- Eight children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome exhibited various vertebral abnormalities.
- Observed anomalies included scoliosis (4 cases), neural tube defects (4 cases), and complex cervical spine malformations (2 cases).
- The complex cervical spine malformations may represent a distinct entity not identical to Klippel-Feil syndrome.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on spinal development.
- Provides detailed characterization of vertebral defects in FAS, aiding in diagnosis and management.
- Suggests a direct teratogenic effect of alcohol on vertebral development, emphasizing the importance of alcohol avoidance during pregnancy.