Related Experiment Videos
Fetal alcohol syndrome: report of one case
T H Chu1, K I Tsou Yau, T R Wang
1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, R.O.C.
Insights
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is diagnosed in a premature male infant with growth failure, developmental delays, distinct facial features, heart defects, and bone abnormalities. Literature review covers FAS clinical aspects, causes, and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Teratology
- Genetics
Background:
- Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a leading preventable cause of birth defects.
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) encompass a range of conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure.
- Understanding the spectrum of FASD is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A male premature infant presented with a constellation of developmental and physical anomalies.
- Diagnostic criteria included intrauterine growth retardation, psychomotor retardation, craniofacial dysmorphism, tetralogy of Fallot, and radioulnar synostosis.
- These findings are consistent with a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
Findings:
- The case highlights the severe impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal development.
- The infant exhibited multiple organ system involvement, characteristic of severe FAS.
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on FAS clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and outcomes.
Implications:
- Early identification of FAS is critical for timely management and support.
- This case underscores the importance of maternal health education regarding alcohol use during pregnancy.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and long-term outcomes of FAS is warranted.
Abstract:
A male premature baby, whose mother was an alcoholic, was diagnosed as a case of fetal alcohol syndrome according to the following: (1) early-onset intrauterine growth retardation and persistent postnatal growth failure; (2) psychomotor retardation; (3) craniofacial dysmorphism; (4) tetralogy of Fallot; and (5) radioulnar synostosis. The literatures on the clinical manifestation, pathogenesis, and outcome of fetal alcohol syndrome are reviewed.