Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Assessing Teratogenic Changes in a Zebrafish Model of Fetal Alcohol Exposure
Published on: March 20, 2012
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome In Ghana:Case Series Report From Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra
1Department of Child Health, College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ghana.
Background:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are known to be the among leading non-genetic causes of neuro-developmental disability worldwide yet in Ghana and West Africa very little has been documented in the medical literature.
Objective:
To determine if Fetal Alcohol Syndrome exists in the Ghanaian population and document its characteristics.
Methods:
An active case ascertainment method was used from April 2008 to April, 2013. Cases were identified as they presented to the Department of Child Health, Korle Bu hospital. The 4 Digit Diagnostic Code for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders was applied to these patients. Each child underwent a dysmorphology examination, maternal interview and developmental assessment.
Results:
Ten children were confirmed as meeting the criteria for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. There were five females and five males. 90% presented with failure to thrive and 80% with heart disease. 50% had a form of hernia. All had confirmed maternal alcohol exposure mainly to akpeteshie ( a local gin)
Discussion:
All the cases identified had classic features. It was clear that Paediatric trainees had difficulty recognising the features in ill children referred to the hospital. There was evidence of family dysfunction with grandmothers taking care of 70% of children identified. Innocent mothers may consume alcohol in herbal preparations taken to protect their pregnancies.
Conclusion:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome exists in the Ghanaian population.
