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Published on: August 5, 2017
The first report of fetal alcohol effect in a 12 year-old child in Korea
Soo Young Bhang1, Dong Hyun Ahn, Young Jin Lee
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea.
Insights
This case study details a 12-year-old Korean child with fetal alcohol effects, including neurological and behavioral issues. It highlights the critical role of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy in developmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are preventable neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments in offspring.
- This report focuses on a unique case in Korea, emphasizing the need for awareness and diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first diagnosed case of fetal alcohol effects in a 12-year-old child in Korea.
- To illustrate the complex presentation of FASD, including neurological deficits and behavioral challenges.
- To underscore the importance of considering maternal alcohol history in the diagnosis of such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case study presentation of a 12-year-old male.
- Detailed review of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy (162 g/week).
- Clinical assessment including neurological examination, brain MRI, and behavioral observation.
Main Results:
- The child presented with a history of febrile seizures, right paraplegia, periventricular leucomalacia, microcephaly, and growth retardation.
- Significant behavioral issues included irritability, impulsivity, inattentiveness, aggression, and disinterest in school.
- Despite initial psychopharmacological treatment and family support for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intermittent ideas of reference persisted.
Conclusions:
- Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a critical factor in the development of severe neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing the multifaceted challenges associated with fetal alcohol effects.
- This case emphasizes the necessity of inquiring about maternal alcohol use in the diagnostic workup of children with unexplained neurological and behavioral symptoms.
Abstract:
We present the first report of fetal alcohol effect in a 12 year-old child in Korea. The mother had consumed 162 g of alcohol per week continuously during pregnancy. His first febrile seizure occurred before he was 1 year old, and became more frequent 2 years later. He started showing signs of right paraplegia when he was 3.5 years old and brain MRI revealed periventricular leucomalacia near the left ventricle. He was microcephalic and his growth was retarded. He was irritable, impatient, impulsive, and inattentive, and showed disinterest in school activities and aggressive and dangerous behavior. After the diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder was made, psychopharmacological treatment and family support was initiated. After 10 months, he still had intermittent ideas of reference, although the aggressive behavior, inattentiveness, and impulsivity had improved. Using this case study, we stress the importance of maternal alcohol history in patients with these characteristics.
